The player uses the touch screen for everything. To move Kirby, the player has to touch him, making Kirby roll forward. The player can also draw lines with the stylus that Kirby can ride. Kirby will stick to them until they disappear, and these lines can be used to get Kirby higher or get Kirby across a pit. While "Kirby" games have Kirby eating enemies to get their powers, "Canvas Curse" does not do that. The player touches an enemy to stun it, and then has Kirby run into it. If it has a power, Kirby will gain it. To use the power, the player has to touch Kirby and he will use the power.