The active zone on an image is the zone available for processing. When a zone is activated, its border has sizing handles.

Digital images can be manipulated for evaluation in various ways. Post-processing includes: Subtraction, addition, rotation, inversion, multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), maximum intensity projection (MIP), etc.
Subtraction is particularly useful in contrast enhanced examinations. The pre contrast images are subtracted from the images after an injection of contrast agents (sometimes also called dye) for better tumor detection. See also Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography, Digital Subtraction Angiography and Active Zone.