diff --git a/common/editor/autosave.cpp b/common/editor/autosave.cpp
index 477039945..c312145d6 100644
--- a/common/editor/autosave.cpp
+++ b/common/editor/autosave.cpp
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ static void print_clock()
 	gr_get_string_size(*grd_curcanv->cv_font, message.data(), &w, &h, nullptr);
 	const uint8_t color = CGREY;
 	gr_rect(*grd_curcanv, 700, 0, 799, h + 1, color);
-	gr_string(700, 0, message.data());
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 700, 0, message.data());
 	gr_set_fontcolor( CBLACK, CWHITE );
 }
 
diff --git a/common/include/fwd-gr.h b/common/include/fwd-gr.h
index 9fc32e048..8700c32e9 100644
--- a/common/include/fwd-gr.h
+++ b/common/include/fwd-gr.h
@@ -272,15 +272,15 @@ namespace dcx {
 void gr_remap_color_fonts();
 void gr_set_curfont(const grs_font *);
 void gr_set_fontcolor(int fg_color, int bg_color);
-void gr_string(int x, int y, const char *s);
 void gr_string(grs_canvas &, int x, int y, const char *s, int w, int h);
-void gr_ustring(int x, int y, const char *s);
-template <void (&)(int, int, const char *)>
-void gr_printt(int x, int y, const char *format, ...) __attribute_format_printf(3, 4);
+void gr_string(grs_canvas &, int x, int y, const char *s);
+void gr_ustring(grs_canvas &, int x, int y, const char *s);
+template <void (&)(grs_canvas &, int, int, const char *)>
+void gr_printt(grs_canvas &, int x, int y, const char *format, ...) __attribute_format_printf(4, 5);
 #define gr_printfs(...)	gr_printt<gr_string>(__VA_ARGS__)
 #define gr_printfus(...)	gr_printt<gr_ustring>(__VA_ARGS__)
-#define gr_printf(A1,A2,F,...)	dxx_call_printf_checked(gr_printfs,gr_string,(A1,A2),(F),##__VA_ARGS__)
-#define gr_uprintf(A1,A2,F,...)	dxx_call_printf_checked(gr_printfus,gr_ustring,(A1,A2),(F),##__VA_ARGS__)
+#define gr_printf(A1,A2,F,...)	dxx_call_printf_checked(gr_printfs,gr_string,(*grd_curcanv,A1,A2),(F),##__VA_ARGS__)
+#define gr_uprintf(A1,A2,F,...)	dxx_call_printf_checked(gr_printfus,gr_ustring,(*grd_curcanv,A1,A2),(F),##__VA_ARGS__)
 std::pair<const char *, unsigned> gr_get_string_wrap(const char *s, unsigned limit);
 void gr_get_string_size(const grs_font &, const char *s, int *string_width, int *string_height, int *average_width);
 
diff --git a/common/ui/checkbox.cpp b/common/ui/checkbox.cpp
index 5aff0914b..0268940f7 100644
--- a/common/ui/checkbox.cpp
+++ b/common/ui/checkbox.cpp
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ void ui_draw_checkbox( UI_DIALOG *dlg, UI_GADGET_CHECKBOX * checkbox )
 				ui_string_centered(  Middle(checkbox->width)+1, Middle(checkbox->height)+1, " " );
 		}
 
-		gr_ustring(checkbox->width+4, 2, checkbox->text.get());
+		gr_ustring(*grd_curcanv, checkbox->width + 4, 2, checkbox->text.get());
 
 	}
 }
diff --git a/common/ui/dialog.cpp b/common/ui/dialog.cpp
index 3b4104d5d..83f1c983f 100644
--- a/common/ui/dialog.cpp
+++ b/common/ui/dialog.cpp
@@ -475,7 +475,7 @@ void (ui_dprintf_at)( UI_DIALOG * dlg, short x, short y, const char * format, ..
 void ui_dputs_at( UI_DIALOG * dlg, short x, short y, const char * buffer )
 {
 	ui_dialog_set_current_canvas( dlg );
-	gr_string( x, y, buffer );
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, x, y, buffer);
 }
 
 }
diff --git a/common/ui/icon.cpp b/common/ui/icon.cpp
index 4d0b926bc..e5aa627c5 100644
--- a/common/ui/icon.cpp
+++ b/common/ui/icon.cpp
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ void ui_draw_icon( UI_GADGET_ICON * icon )
 		}
 	
 		gr_set_fontcolor( CBLACK, -1 );		
-		gr_ustring(x, y, icon->text.get());
+		gr_ustring(*grd_curcanv, x, y, icon->text.get());
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/common/ui/keypad.cpp b/common/ui/keypad.cpp
index 9ab339168..d5144a8fe 100644
--- a/common/ui/keypad.cpp
+++ b/common/ui/keypad.cpp
@@ -276,7 +276,7 @@ void ui_pad_draw(UI_DIALOG *dlg, int x, int y)
 	const uint8_t color = CWHITE;
 	gr_urect(*grd_curcanv, desc_x, desc_y, desc_x+ 56*4-1, desc_y+15, color);
 	gr_set_fontcolor( CBLACK, CWHITE );
-	gr_ustring(desc_x, desc_y, KeyPad[active_pad]->description.data());
+	gr_ustring(*grd_curcanv, desc_x, desc_y, KeyPad[active_pad]->description.data());
 }
 
 static void ui_pad_set_active( int n )
diff --git a/common/ui/menubar.cpp b/common/ui/menubar.cpp
index 8cbbe6b53..f37c4741a 100644
--- a/common/ui/menubar.cpp
+++ b/common/ui/menubar.cpp
@@ -110,14 +110,14 @@ static void item_show( MENU * menu, int n )
 	if ( menu != &Menu[0] )
 	{
 		if ( menu->Active)
-			gr_ustring(item->x+1, item->y+1, item->Text.get());
+			gr_ustring(*grd_curcanv, item->x + 1, item->y + 1, item->Text.get());
 		else
-			gr_ustring(item->x+1, item->y+1, item->InactiveText.get());
+			gr_ustring(*grd_curcanv, item->x + 1, item->y + 1, item->InactiveText.get());
 	} else {
 		if ( menu->Active)
-			gr_ustring(item->x, item->y, item->Text.get());
+			gr_ustring(*grd_curcanv, item->x, item->y, item->Text.get());
 		else
-			gr_ustring(item->x, item->y, item->InactiveText.get());
+			gr_ustring(*grd_curcanv, item->x, item->y, item->InactiveText.get());
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/common/ui/radio.cpp b/common/ui/radio.cpp
index 81fb9fd5a..a4e99604d 100644
--- a/common/ui/radio.cpp
+++ b/common/ui/radio.cpp
@@ -68,8 +68,7 @@ void ui_draw_radio( UI_DIALOG *dlg, UI_GADGET_RADIO * radio )
 			else
 				ui_string_centered(Middle(radio->width) + 1, Middle(radio->height) + 1, " ");
 		}
-
-		gr_ustring(radio->width+4, 2, radio->text.get());
+		gr_ustring(*grd_curcanv, radio->width + 4, 2, radio->text.get());
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/common/ui/uidraw.cpp b/common/ui/uidraw.cpp
index d1b4d2cfe..e116e71bf 100644
--- a/common/ui/uidraw.cpp
+++ b/common/ui/uidraw.cpp
@@ -43,8 +43,7 @@ void ui_string_centered( short x, short y, const char * s )
 
 	//baseline = height-grd_curcanv->cv_font->ft_baseline;
 
-	gr_ustring(x-((width-1)/2), y-((height-1)/2), s );
-
+	gr_ustring(*grd_curcanv, x - ((width - 1) / 2), y - ((height - 1) / 2), s);
 }
 
 
diff --git a/d2x-rebirth/main/escort.cpp b/d2x-rebirth/main/escort.cpp
index e75084951..367d56656 100644
--- a/d2x-rebirth/main/escort.cpp
+++ b/d2x-rebirth/main/escort.cpp
@@ -1836,7 +1836,7 @@ void show_escort_menu(const array<char, 300> &amsg)
 
 	nm_draw_background(x-BORDERX,y-BORDERY,x+w+BORDERX,y+h+BORDERY);
 
-	gr_ustring( x, y, msg );
+	gr_ustring(*grd_curcanv, x, y, msg);
 
 	reset_cockpit();
 }
diff --git a/d2x-rebirth/main/movie.cpp b/d2x-rebirth/main/movie.cpp
index 8537d173d..b2a5708bc 100644
--- a/d2x-rebirth/main/movie.cpp
+++ b/d2x-rebirth/main/movie.cpp
@@ -307,7 +307,7 @@ static window_event_result show_pause_message(window *, const d_event &event, co
 
 			gr_set_fontcolor( 255, -1 );
 
-			gr_ustring( 0x8000, y, msg );
+			gr_ustring(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, y, msg);
 			break;
 		}
 
@@ -669,7 +669,7 @@ static void draw_subtitles(int frame_num)
 	range_for (const auto &t, partial_range(active_subtitles, num_active_subtitles))
 		if (t != -1)
 		{
-			gr_string(0x8000, y, Subtitles[t].msg);
+			gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, y, Subtitles[t].msg);
 			y += line_spacing;
 		}
 }
diff --git a/similar/2d/font.cpp b/similar/2d/font.cpp
index b13a0d3cf..7243fd6c2 100644
--- a/similar/2d/font.cpp
+++ b/similar/2d/font.cpp
@@ -689,11 +689,11 @@ static int gr_internal_color_string(grs_canvas &canvas, const int x, const int y
 }
 #endif //OGL
 
-void gr_string(const int x, const int y, const char *const s)
+void gr_string(grs_canvas &canvas, const int x, const int y, const char *const s)
 {
 	int w, h;
-	gr_get_string_size(*grd_curcanv->cv_font, s, &w, &h, nullptr);
-	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, x, y, s, w, h);
+	gr_get_string_size(*canvas.cv_font, s, &w, &h, nullptr);
+	gr_string(canvas, x, y, s, w, h);
 }
 
 static void gr_ustring_mono(grs_canvas &canvas, const int x, const int y, const char *const s)
@@ -757,21 +757,21 @@ void gr_string(grs_canvas &canvas, const int x, const int y, const char *const s
 	gr_internal_string_clipped(*grd_curcanv, x, y, s);
 }
 
-void gr_ustring(int x, int y, const char *s )
+void gr_ustring(grs_canvas &canvas, const int x, const int y, const char *const s)
 {
 #if DXX_USE_OGL
-	if (TYPE==bm_mode::ogl)
+	if (canvas.cv_bitmap.get_type() == bm_mode::ogl)
 	{
-		ogl_internal_string(*grd_curcanv, x, y, s);
+		ogl_internal_string(canvas, x, y, s);
 		return;
 	}
 #endif
 	
-	if (grd_curcanv->cv_font->ft_flags & FT_COLOR) {
-		gr_internal_color_string(*grd_curcanv, x, y, s);
+	if (canvas.cv_font->ft_flags & FT_COLOR) {
+		gr_internal_color_string(canvas, x, y, s);
 	}
 	else
-		gr_ustring_mono(*grd_curcanv, x, y, s);
+		gr_ustring_mono(canvas, x, y, s);
 }
 
 void gr_get_string_size(const grs_font &cv_font, const char *s, int *const string_width, int *const string_height, int *const average_width)
@@ -832,8 +832,8 @@ std::pair<const char *, unsigned> gr_get_string_wrap(const char *s, unsigned lim
 	return {s, static_cast<unsigned>(string_width_f)};
 }
 
-template <void (&F)(int, int, const char *)>
-void (gr_printt)(int x, int y, const char *format, ...)
+template <void (&F)(grs_canvas &, int, int, const char *)>
+void (gr_printt)(grs_canvas &canvas, const int x, const int y, const char *const format, ...)
 {
 	char buffer[1000];
 	va_list args;
@@ -841,11 +841,11 @@ void (gr_printt)(int x, int y, const char *format, ...)
 	va_start(args, format );
 	vsnprintf(buffer, sizeof(buffer), format, args);
 	va_end(args);
-	F(x, y, buffer);
+	F(canvas, x, y, buffer);
 }
 
-template void gr_printt<gr_string>(int, int, const char *, ...);
-template void gr_printt<gr_ustring>(int, int, const char *, ...);
+template void gr_printt<gr_string>(grs_canvas &, int, int, const char *, ...);
+template void gr_printt<gr_ustring>(grs_canvas &, int, int, const char *, ...);
 
 void gr_close_font(std::unique_ptr<grs_font> font)
 {
diff --git a/similar/editor/meddraw.cpp b/similar/editor/meddraw.cpp
index fe768606e..940317a45 100644
--- a/similar/editor/meddraw.cpp
+++ b/similar/editor/meddraw.cpp
@@ -815,20 +815,20 @@ void draw_world(grs_canvas *screen_canvas,editor_view *v,const vsegptridx_t mine
 		// Label the window
 		gr_set_fontcolor((v==current_view)?CRED:CWHITE, -1 );
 		if ( screen_canvas == LargeViewBox->canvas.get() ) {
-			gr_ustring( 5, 5, "USER VIEW" );
+			gr_ustring(*grd_curcanv, 5, 5, "USER VIEW");
 			switch (Large_view_index) {
-				case 0: gr_ustring( 85, 5, "-- TOP");	break;
-				case 1: gr_ustring( 85, 5, "-- FRONT");	break;
-				case 2: gr_ustring( 85, 5, "-- RIGHT");	break;
+				case 0: gr_ustring(*grd_curcanv, 85, 5, "-- TOP");	break;
+				case 1: gr_ustring(*grd_curcanv, 85, 5, "-- FRONT");	break;
+				case 2: gr_ustring(*grd_curcanv, 85, 5, "-- RIGHT");	break;
 			}			
 		} else
 #if ORTHO_VIEWS
 		 else if ( screen_canvas == TopViewBox->canvas )
-			gr_ustring( 5, 5, "TOP" );
+			gr_ustring(*grd_curcanv, 5, 5, "TOP");
 		else if ( screen_canvas == FrontViewBox->canvas )
-			gr_ustring( 5, 5, "FRONT" );
+			gr_ustring(*grd_curcanv, 5, 5, "FRONT");
 		else if ( screen_canvas == RightViewBox->canvas )
-			gr_ustring( 5, 5, "RIGHT" );
+			gr_ustring(*grd_curcanv, 5, 5, "RIGHT");
 #else
 			Error("Ortho views have been removed, what gives?\n");
 #endif
diff --git a/similar/editor/texpage.cpp b/similar/editor/texpage.cpp
index fbbc61cc2..c98f0760d 100644
--- a/similar/editor/texpage.cpp
+++ b/similar/editor/texpage.cpp
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ static void texpage_print_name(d_fname name)
 	name.back() = 0;
 	
     gr_set_current_canvas( TmapnameCanvas );
-    gr_string( 0, 0, name );			  
+    gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0, 0, name);			  
 }
 
 //Redraw the list of textures, based on TexturePage
diff --git a/similar/main/automap.cpp b/similar/main/automap.cpp
index c6627cb83..de3348fa1 100644
--- a/similar/main/automap.cpp
+++ b/similar/main/automap.cpp
@@ -519,7 +519,7 @@ static void name_frame(automap *am)
 	else
 		name_level = Current_level_name;
 
-	gr_string((SWIDTH/64),(SHEIGHT/48),name_level);
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, (SWIDTH/64),(SHEIGHT/48),name_level);
 #elif defined(DXX_BUILD_DESCENT_II)
 	char	name_level_right[128];
 	if (Current_level_num > 0)
@@ -533,7 +533,7 @@ static void name_frame(automap *am)
 	else
 		snprintf(name_level_right, sizeof(name_level_right), " %s", current_level_name);
 
-	gr_string((SWIDTH/64),(SHEIGHT/48),name_level_left);
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, (SWIDTH / 64), (SHEIGHT / 48), name_level_left);
 	int wr,h;
 	gr_get_string_size(*grd_curcanv->cv_font, name_level_right, &wr, &h, nullptr);
 	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, grd_curcanv->cv_bitmap.bm_w-wr-(SWIDTH/64),(SHEIGHT/48),name_level_right, wr, h);
@@ -635,7 +635,7 @@ static void draw_automap(automap *am)
 	else
 #endif
 			x = SWIDTH / 8, y = SHEIGHT / 16;
-		gr_string(x, y, TXT_AUTOMAP);
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, x, y, TXT_AUTOMAP);
 	}
 	gr_set_curfont(GAME_FONT);
 	gr_set_fontcolor(BM_XRGB(20, 20, 20), -1);
@@ -668,9 +668,9 @@ static void draw_automap(automap *am)
 		y1 = SHEIGHT / 1.083;
 		y2 = SHEIGHT / 1.043;
 #endif
-		gr_string(x, y0, TXT_TURN_SHIP);
-		gr_string(x, y1, s1);
-		gr_string(x, y2, s2);
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, x, y0, TXT_TURN_SHIP);
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, x, y1, s1);
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, x, y2, s2);
 	}
 
 	gr_set_current_canvas(&am->automap_view);
diff --git a/similar/main/console.cpp b/similar/main/console.cpp
index 73f8165a6..5297e8b54 100644
--- a/similar/main/console.cpp
+++ b/similar/main/console.cpp
@@ -191,7 +191,7 @@ static void con_draw(void)
 	gr_rect(*grd_curcanv, 0, 0, SWIDTH, line_spacing, color);
 	gr_set_fontcolor(BM_XRGB(255,255,255),-1);
 	gr_printf(fspacx1, fspacy1, "%s LOG", DESCENT_VERSION);
-	gr_string(SWIDTH - fspacx(110), fspacy1, "PAGE-UP/DOWN TO SCROLL");
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, SWIDTH - fspacx(110), fspacy1, "PAGE-UP/DOWN TO SCROLL");
 }
 
 static window_event_result con_handler(window *wind,const d_event &event, const unused_window_userdata_t *)
diff --git a/similar/main/credits.cpp b/similar/main/credits.cpp
index 133311952..56f9d0b09 100644
--- a/similar/main/credits.cpp
+++ b/similar/main/credits.cpp
@@ -205,7 +205,7 @@ static window_event_result credits_handler(window *, const d_event &event, credi
 				const auto tempp = strchr( s, '\t' );
 				if ( !tempp )	{
 					// Wacky Fast Credits thing
-					gr_string( 0x8000, y, s );
+					gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, y, s);
 				}
 			}
 			
diff --git a/similar/main/gamecntl.cpp b/similar/main/gamecntl.cpp
index b8d6050a8..567bd7523 100644
--- a/similar/main/gamecntl.cpp
+++ b/similar/main/gamecntl.cpp
@@ -525,7 +525,7 @@ static int HandleDemoKey(int key)
 				gr_set_current_canvas(NULL);
 				render_frame(0);
 				gr_set_curfont(MEDIUM2_FONT);
-				gr_string(SWIDTH-FSPACX(92),SHEIGHT-LINE_SPACING,"DXX-Rebirth\n");
+				gr_string(*grd_curcanv, SWIDTH - FSPACX(92), SHEIGHT - LINE_SPACING, "DXX-Rebirth\n");
 				gr_flip();
 				save_screen_shot(0);
 			}
@@ -705,7 +705,7 @@ static window_event_result HandleSystemKey(int key)
 				gr_set_current_canvas(NULL);
 				render_frame(0);
 				gr_set_curfont(MEDIUM2_FONT);
-				gr_string(SWIDTH-FSPACX(92),SHEIGHT-LINE_SPACING,"DXX-Rebirth\n");
+				gr_string(*grd_curcanv, SWIDTH - FSPACX(92), SHEIGHT - LINE_SPACING, "DXX-Rebirth\n");
 				gr_flip();
 				save_screen_shot(0);
 			}
diff --git a/similar/main/gamerend.cpp b/similar/main/gamerend.cpp
index 35c62f041..a362cf3df 100644
--- a/similar/main/gamerend.cpp
+++ b/similar/main/gamerend.cpp
@@ -156,7 +156,7 @@ static void show_netplayerinfo()
 	// general game information
 	const auto &&line_spacing = LINE_SPACING;
 	y += line_spacing;
-	gr_string(0x8000,y,Netgame.game_name.data());
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, y, Netgame.game_name.data());
 	y += line_spacing;
 	gr_printf(0x8000, y, "%s - lvl: %i", Netgame.mission_title.data(), Netgame.levelnum);
 
@@ -177,13 +177,13 @@ static void show_netplayerinfo()
 
 	// player information (name, kills, ping, game efficiency)
 	y += line_spacing * 2;
-	gr_string(x,y,"player");
-	gr_string(x + fspacx8 * 7, y, ((Game_mode & GM_MULTI_COOP)
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, x, y, "player");
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, x + fspacx8 * 7, y, ((Game_mode & GM_MULTI_COOP)
 		? "score"
-		: (gr_string(x + fspacx8 * 12, y, "deaths"), "kills")
+		: (gr_string(*grd_curcanv, x + fspacx8 * 12, y, "deaths"), "kills")
 	));
-	gr_string(x + fspacx8 * 18, y, "ping");
-	gr_string(x + fspacx8 * 23, y, "efficiency");
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, x + fspacx8 * 18, y, "ping");
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, x + fspacx8 * 23, y, "efficiency");
 
 	// process players table
 	for (uint_fast32_t i = 0; i < MAX_PLAYERS; i++)
@@ -218,8 +218,8 @@ static void show_netplayerinfo()
 	if (Game_mode & GM_TEAM)
 	{
 		gr_set_fontcolor(255,-1);
-		gr_string(x,y,"team");
-		gr_string(x + fspacx8 * 8, y, "score");
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, x, y, "team");
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, x + fspacx8 * 8, y, "score");
 		y += line_spacing;
 		gr_set_fontcolor(BM_XRGB(player_rgb[0].r,player_rgb[0].g,player_rgb[0].b),-1 );
 		gr_printf(x,y,"%s:",static_cast<const char *>(Netgame.team_name[0]));
@@ -241,7 +241,7 @@ static void show_netplayerinfo()
 	if (game_mode_hoard())
 	{
 		if (PhallicMan==-1)
-			gr_string(0x8000,y,"There is no record yet for this level.");
+			gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, y, "There is no record yet for this level.");
 		else
 			gr_printf(0x8000,y,"%s has the record at %d points.", static_cast<const char *>(Players[PhallicMan].callsign), PhallicLimit);
 	}
@@ -262,7 +262,7 @@ static void show_netplayerinfo()
 		if (eff<60)
 			gr_printf(0x8000,y,"is %s your ranking.",eff_strings[eff/10]);
 		else
-			gr_string(0x8000,y,"is serving you well.");
+			gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, y, "is serving you well.");
 		y += line_spacing;
 		gr_printf(0x8000,y,"your rank is: %s",RankStrings[GetMyNetRanking()]);
 	}
@@ -732,7 +732,7 @@ void game_render_frame_mono()
 		gr_set_curfont( GAME_FONT );
 		gr_set_fontcolor( BM_XRGB(27,0,0), -1 );
 
-		gr_string(0x8000, FSPACY(1), "Guided Missile View");
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, FSPACY(1), "Guided Missile View");
 
 		auto &player_info = get_local_plrobj().ctype.player_info;
 		show_reticle(player_info, RET_TYPE_CROSS_V1, 0);
diff --git a/similar/main/gauges.cpp b/similar/main/gauges.cpp
index f47458283..5a48d98a7 100644
--- a/similar/main/gauges.cpp
+++ b/similar/main/gauges.cpp
@@ -880,7 +880,7 @@ static void hud_show_homing_warning(const int homing_object_dist)
 		if (GameTime64 & 0x4000) {
 			gr_set_curfont( GAME_FONT );
 			gr_set_fontcolor(BM_XRGB(0,31,0),-1 );
-			gr_string(0x8000, grd_curcanv->cv_bitmap.bm_h-LINE_SPACING,TXT_LOCK);
+			gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, grd_curcanv->cv_bitmap.bm_h - LINE_SPACING,TXT_LOCK);
 		}
 	}
 }
@@ -1562,7 +1562,7 @@ static void hud_show_cloak_invuln(const player_flags player_flags, const fix64 c
 		if (cloak_invul_timer)
 			gr_printf(fspacx1, y, "%s: %lu", txt, static_cast<unsigned long>(effect_end / F1_0));
 		else
-			gr_string(fspacx1, y, txt);
+			gr_string(*grd_curcanv, fspacx1, y, txt);
 	};
 
 	if (player_flags & PLAYER_FLAGS_CLOAKED)
@@ -2220,7 +2220,7 @@ static void draw_weapon_info_sub(const player_info &player_info, const int info_
 	{
 		gr_set_fontcolor(BM_XRGB(0,20,0),-1 );
 
-		gr_string(text_x,text_y,name);
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, text_x, text_y, name);
 
 		//	For laser, show level and quadness
 #if defined(DXX_BUILD_DESCENT_I)
@@ -2232,7 +2232,7 @@ static void draw_weapon_info_sub(const player_info &player_info, const int info_
 			const auto &&line_spacing = LINE_SPACING;
 			gr_printf(text_x, text_y + line_spacing, "%s: %i", TXT_LVL, player_info.laser_level + 1);
 			if (player_info.powerup_flags & PLAYER_FLAGS_QUAD_LASERS)
-				gr_string(text_x, text_y + (line_spacing * 2), TXT_QUAD);
+				gr_string(*grd_curcanv, text_x, text_y + (line_spacing * 2), TXT_QUAD);
 		}
 	}
 }
@@ -3314,7 +3314,7 @@ void draw_hud(const object &plrobj)
 		HUD_render_message_frame();
 		gr_set_curfont( GAME_FONT );
 		gr_set_fontcolor(BM_XRGB(0,31,0),-1 );
-		gr_string(0x8000,GHEIGHT-LINE_SPACING,TXT_REAR_VIEW);
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, GHEIGHT - LINE_SPACING, TXT_REAR_VIEW);
 	}
 }
 }
@@ -3522,7 +3522,7 @@ void do_cockpit_window_view(const int win, const vobjptr_t viewer, const int rea
 		if (Color_0_31_0 == -1)
 			Color_0_31_0 = BM_XRGB(0,31,0);
 		gr_set_fontcolor(Color_0_31_0, -1);
-		gr_string(0x8000,FSPACY(1),label);
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, FSPACY(1), label);
 	}
 
 	if (user == WBU_GUIDED)
diff --git a/similar/main/hud.cpp b/similar/main/hud.cpp
index c9672e841..9b52baa2a 100644
--- a/similar/main/hud.cpp
+++ b/similar/main/hud.cpp
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ void HUD_render_message_frame()
 		for (; i != e; ++i )	{
 			gr_set_fontcolor( HUD_color, -1);
 
-			gr_string(0x8000,y, &i->message[0] );
+			gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, y, &i->message[0]);
 			y += line_spacing;
 		}
 	}
@@ -268,6 +268,6 @@ void player_dead_message(void)
 		if (HUD_color == -1)
 			HUD_color = BM_XRGB(0,28,0);
 		gr_set_fontcolor( HUD_color, -1);
-		gr_string(0x8000, GHEIGHT - LINE_SPACING, PlayerCfg.RespawnMode == RespawnPress::Any ? TXT_PRESS_ANY_KEY : "Press fire key or button to continue...");
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, GHEIGHT - LINE_SPACING, PlayerCfg.RespawnMode == RespawnPress::Any ? TXT_PRESS_ANY_KEY : "Press fire key or button to continue...");
 	}
 }
diff --git a/similar/main/kconfig.cpp b/similar/main/kconfig.cpp
index 8a57b9a6d..0704def20 100644
--- a/similar/main/kconfig.cpp
+++ b/similar/main/kconfig.cpp
@@ -890,11 +890,11 @@ static void kconfig_draw(kc_menu *menu)
 	gr_set_curfont(MEDIUM3_FONT);
 
 	Assert(!strchr( menu->title, '\n' ));
-	gr_string(0x8000, fspacy(8), menu->title);
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, fspacy(8), menu->title);
 
 	gr_set_curfont(GAME_FONT);
 	gr_set_fontcolor( BM_XRGB(28,28,28), -1 );
-	gr_string(0x8000, fspacy(21), "Enter changes, ctrl-d deletes, ctrl-r resets defaults, ESC exits");
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, fspacy(21), "Enter changes, ctrl-d deletes, ctrl-r resets defaults, ESC exits");
 	gr_set_fontcolor( BM_XRGB(28,28,28), -1 );
 
 	if ( menu->items == kc_keyboard )
@@ -924,11 +924,11 @@ static void kconfig_draw(kc_menu *menu)
 	{
 		gr_set_fontcolor( BM_XRGB(31,27,6), -1 );
 #if DXX_MAX_BUTTONS_PER_JOYSTICK || DXX_MAX_HATS_PER_JOYSTICK
-		gr_string(0x8000, fspacy(30), TXT_BUTTONS);
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, fspacy(30), TXT_BUTTONS);
 #endif
 #if DXX_MAX_AXES_PER_JOYSTICK
 		const auto &&fspacy145 = fspacy(145);
-		gr_string(0x8000, fspacy(137), TXT_AXES);
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, fspacy(137), TXT_AXES);
 		gr_set_fontcolor( BM_XRGB(28,28,28), -1 );
 		kc_gr_2y_string(TXT_AXIS, fspacy145, fspacx(81), fspacx(230));
 		kc_gr_2y_string(TXT_INVERT, fspacy145, fspacx(111), fspacx(260));
@@ -961,8 +961,8 @@ static void kconfig_draw(kc_menu *menu)
 	else if ( menu->items == kc_mouse )
 	{
 		gr_set_fontcolor( BM_XRGB(31,27,6), -1 );
-		gr_string(0x8000, fspacy(35), TXT_BUTTONS);
-		gr_string(0x8000, fspacy(137), TXT_AXES);
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, fspacy(35), TXT_BUTTONS);
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, fspacy(137), TXT_AXES);
 		gr_set_fontcolor( BM_XRGB(28,28,28), -1 );
 		const auto &&fspacy145 = fspacy(145);
 		kc_gr_2y_string(TXT_AXIS, fspacy145, fspacx( 87), fspacx(242));
@@ -973,11 +973,11 @@ static void kconfig_draw(kc_menu *menu)
 		gr_set_fontcolor( BM_XRGB(31,27,6), -1 );
 
 		const auto &&fspacy60 = fspacy(60);
-		gr_string(fspacx(152), fspacy60, "KEYBOARD");
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, fspacx(152), fspacy60, "KEYBOARD");
 #if DXX_MAX_BUTTONS_PER_JOYSTICK || DXX_MAX_HATS_PER_JOYSTICK
-		gr_string(fspacx(210), fspacy60, "JOYSTICK");
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, fspacx(210), fspacy60, "JOYSTICK");
 #endif
-		gr_string(fspacx(273), fspacy60, "MOUSE");
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, fspacx(273), fspacy60, "MOUSE");
 	}
 	
 	unsigned citem = menu->citem;
@@ -1023,7 +1023,7 @@ static void kconfig_draw(kc_menu *menu)
 				break;
 		}
 		if (s)
-			gr_string(0x8000, fspacy(INFO_Y), s);
+			gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, fspacy(INFO_Y), s);
 		kc_drawquestion( menu, &menu->items[menu->citem] );
 	}
 	
@@ -1364,7 +1364,7 @@ static void kc_drawinput(const kc_item &item, kc_mitem& mitem, int is_current, c
 		else
 			r = 15 * 2, g = 15 * 2, b = 24 * 2;
 		gr_set_fontcolor(gr_find_closest_color(r, g, b), -1);
-		gr_string(fspacx(item.x), fspacy(item.y), label);
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, fspacx(item.x), fspacy(item.y), label);
 	}
 
 	btext = get_item_text(item, mitem, buf);
diff --git a/similar/main/kmatrix.cpp b/similar/main/kmatrix.cpp
index 201e1b139..de2fda3a4 100644
--- a/similar/main/kmatrix.cpp
+++ b/similar/main/kmatrix.cpp
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ static void kmatrix_draw_item(int  i, playernum_array_t &sorted)
 
 	y = FSPACY(50+i*9);
 	const auto &&fspacx = FSPACX();
-	gr_string(fspacx(CENTERING_OFFSET(N_players)), y, static_cast<const char *>(Players[sorted[i]].callsign));
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, fspacx(CENTERING_OFFSET(N_players)), y, static_cast<const char *>(Players[sorted[i]].callsign));
 
 	const auto &&rgb10 = BM_XRGB(10, 10, 10);
 	const auto &&rgb25 = BM_XRGB(25, 25, 25);
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ static void kmatrix_draw_item(int  i, playernum_array_t &sorted)
 			if (kmij == 0)
 			{
 				gr_set_fontcolor(rgb10, -1);
-				gr_string(x, y, "0");
+				gr_string(*grd_curcanv, x, y, "0");
 			}
 			else
 			{
@@ -145,7 +145,7 @@ static void kmatrix_draw_names(playernum_array_t &sorted)
 
 	x = fspacx(72 + CENTERING_OFFSET(N_players) + N_players * 25);
 	gr_set_fontcolor(rgb31, -1);
-	gr_string(x, fspacy(40), "K/E");
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, x, fspacy(40), "K/E");
 }
 
 static void kmatrix_draw_coop_names(playernum_array_t &)
@@ -153,8 +153,8 @@ static void kmatrix_draw_coop_names(playernum_array_t &)
 	gr_set_fontcolor( BM_XRGB(63,31,31),-1 );
 	const auto &&fspacy40 = FSPACY(40);
 	const auto centerscreen = CENTERSCREEN;
-	gr_string(centerscreen, fspacy40, "SCORE");
-	gr_string(centerscreen + FSPACX(50), fspacy40, "DEATHS");
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, centerscreen, fspacy40, "SCORE");
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, centerscreen + FSPACX(50), fspacy40, "DEATHS");
 }
 
 static void kmatrix_status_msg (fix time, int reactor)
@@ -207,7 +207,7 @@ static void kmatrix_redraw(kmatrix_screen *km)
 				:
 #endif
 				TXT_KILL_MATRIX_TITLE;
-		gr_string(0x8000, FSPACY(10), title);
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, FSPACY(10), title);
 
 		gr_set_curfont(GAME_FONT);
 		multi_get_kill_list(sorted);
@@ -237,7 +237,7 @@ static void kmatrix_redraw_coop()
 
 	multi_sort_kill_list();
 	gr_set_curfont(MEDIUM3_FONT);
-	gr_string( 0x8000, FSPACY(10), "COOPERATIVE SUMMARY");
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv,  0x8000, FSPACY(10), "COOPERATIVE SUMMARY");
 	gr_set_curfont(GAME_FONT);
 	multi_get_kill_list(sorted);
 	kmatrix_draw_coop_names(sorted);
@@ -264,7 +264,7 @@ static void kmatrix_redraw_coop()
 		gr_set_fontcolor(gr_find_closest_color(r, g, b), -1);
 
 		const auto &&y = fspacy(50 + i * 9);
-		gr_string(x_callsign, y, static_cast<const char *>(plr.callsign));
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, x_callsign, y, static_cast<const char *>(plr.callsign));
 		gr_set_fontcolor(rgb60_40_10, -1);
 		auto &player_info = vcobjptr(plr.objnum)->ctype.player_info;
 		gr_printf(x_centerscreen, y, "%d", player_info.mission.score);
diff --git a/similar/main/menu.cpp b/similar/main/menu.cpp
index 5248ac439..84e6be84a 100644
--- a/similar/main/menu.cpp
+++ b/similar/main/menu.cpp
@@ -458,9 +458,9 @@ static void draw_copyright()
 	gr_set_curfont(GAME_FONT);
 	gr_set_fontcolor(BM_XRGB(6,6,6),-1);
 	const auto &&line_spacing = LINE_SPACING;
-	gr_string(0x8000, SHEIGHT - line_spacing, TXT_COPYRIGHT);
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, SHEIGHT - line_spacing, TXT_COPYRIGHT);
 	gr_set_fontcolor( BM_XRGB(25,0,0), -1);
-	gr_string(0x8000, SHEIGHT - (line_spacing * 2), DESCENT_VERSION);
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, SHEIGHT - (line_spacing * 2), DESCENT_VERSION);
 }
 
 namespace dsx {
diff --git a/similar/main/net_udp.cpp b/similar/main/net_udp.cpp
index 91bda7a90..ecdd8258b 100644
--- a/similar/main/net_udp.cpp
+++ b/similar/main/net_udp.cpp
@@ -248,7 +248,7 @@ class basic_show_rule_label
 public:
 	static void show_item(int x1, int y, const char *label, int /* x2 */, const char * /* value */)
 	{
-		gr_string(x1, y, label);
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, x1, y, label);
 	}
 };
 
@@ -257,7 +257,7 @@ class basic_show_rule_value
 public:
 	static void show_item(int /* x1 */, int y, const char * /*label */, int x2, const char *value)
 	{
-		gr_string(x2, y, value);
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, x2, y, value);
 	}
 };
 
diff --git a/similar/main/newmenu.cpp b/similar/main/newmenu.cpp
index 8b95a2ea3..2a16ee9d5 100644
--- a/similar/main/newmenu.cpp
+++ b/similar/main/newmenu.cpp
@@ -258,7 +258,7 @@ static void nm_string( int w1,int x, int y, const char * s, int tabs_flag)
 		}
 	}
 	else
-		gr_string(x, y, s2.get());
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, x, y, s2.get());
 
 	if (!tabs_flag && p && (w1>0) ) {
 		int w, h;
@@ -283,7 +283,7 @@ static void nm_string_slider( int w1,int x, int y, char * s )
 		s1 = p+1;
 	}
 
-	gr_string( x, y, s );
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, x, y, s);
 
 	if (p)	{
 		int w, h;
@@ -353,7 +353,7 @@ static void nm_string_inputbox( int w, int x, int y, const char * text, int curr
 	nm_string_black( w, x, y, text );
 
 	if ( current && timer_query() & 0x8000 )
-		gr_string( x+w1, y, CURSOR_STRING );
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, x+w1, y, CURSOR_STRING);
 }
 
 static void draw_item( newmenu_item *item, int is_current, int tiny, int tabs_flag, int scroll_offset )
@@ -1472,7 +1472,7 @@ static window_event_result newmenu_draw(window *wind, newmenu *menu)
 	if ( menu->subtitle )	{
 		gr_set_curfont(MEDIUM3_FONT);
 		gr_set_fontcolor( BM_XRGB(21,21,21), -1 );
-		gr_string( 0x8000, ty+th, menu->subtitle );
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, ty + th, menu->subtitle);
 	}
 
 	gr_set_curfont(menu->tiny_mode?GAME_FONT:MEDIUM1_FONT);
@@ -1493,12 +1493,12 @@ static window_event_result newmenu_draw(window *wind, newmenu *menu)
 		const auto &&fspacx = FSPACX();
 		sx = BORDERX - fspacx(12);
 
-		gr_string(sx, sy, menu->scroll_offset ? UP_ARROW_MARKER : "  ");
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, sx, sy, menu->scroll_offset ? UP_ARROW_MARKER : "  ");
 
 		sy = menu->items[menu->scroll_offset + menu->max_displayable - 1].y - (line_spacing * menu->scroll_offset);
 		sx = BORDERX - fspacx(12);
 
-		gr_string(sx, sy, (menu->scroll_offset + menu->max_displayable < menu->nitems) ? DOWN_ARROW_MARKER : "  ");
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, sx, sy, (menu->scroll_offset + menu->max_displayable < menu->nitems) ? DOWN_ARROW_MARKER : "  ");
 	}
 
 	{
@@ -1956,7 +1956,7 @@ static window_event_result listbox_draw(window *, listbox *lb)
 	gr_set_current_canvas(NULL);
 	nm_draw_background( lb->box_x-BORDERX,lb->box_y-lb->title_height-BORDERY,lb->box_x+lb->box_w+BORDERX,lb->box_y+lb->height+BORDERY );
 	gr_set_curfont(MEDIUM3_FONT);
-	gr_string( 0x8000, lb->box_y - lb->title_height, lb->title );
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, lb->box_y - lb->title_height, lb->title);
 
 	const auto &&line_spacing = LINE_SPACING;
 	for (i=lb->first_item; i<lb->first_item+LB_ITEMS_ON_SCREEN; i++ )	{
@@ -2017,7 +2017,7 @@ static window_event_result listbox_draw(window *, listbox *lb)
 			{
 				showstr = lb->item[i];
 			}
-			gr_string(lb->box_x + fspacx(5), y, showstr);
+			gr_string(*grd_curcanv, lb->box_x + fspacx(5), y, showstr);
 		}
 	}
 
diff --git a/similar/main/scores.cpp b/similar/main/scores.cpp
index d1255d801..b825cfcfe 100644
--- a/similar/main/scores.cpp
+++ b/similar/main/scores.cpp
@@ -315,14 +315,14 @@ static void scores_draw_item( int i, stats_info * stats )
 	const auto &&fspacx66 = fspacx(66);
 	const auto &&fspacy_y = FSPACY(y);
 	if (strlen(stats->name)==0) {
-		gr_string(fspacx66, fspacy_y, TXT_EMPTY);
+		gr_string(*grd_curcanv, fspacx66, fspacy_y, TXT_EMPTY);
 		return;
 	}
-	gr_string(fspacx66, fspacy_y, stats->name);
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, fspacx66, fspacy_y, stats->name);
 	int_to_string(stats->score, buffer);
 	scores_rputs( 149, y, buffer );
 
-	gr_string(fspacx(166), fspacy_y, MENU_DIFFICULTY_TEXT(stats->diff_level));
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, fspacx(166), fspacy_y, MENU_DIFFICULTY_TEXT(stats->diff_level));
 
 	if ( (stats->starting_level > 0 ) && (stats->ending_level > 0 ))
 		scores_rprintf( 232, y, "%d-%d", stats->starting_level, stats->ending_level );
@@ -407,17 +407,17 @@ static window_event_result scores_handler(window *wind,const d_event &event, sco
 			
 			gr_set_current_canvas(window_get_canvas(*wind));
 			gr_set_curfont(MEDIUM3_FONT);
-			gr_string(0x8000, fspacy(15), TXT_HIGH_SCORES);
+			gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, fspacy(15), TXT_HIGH_SCORES);
 			gr_set_curfont(GAME_FONT);
 			gr_set_fontcolor( BM_XRGB(31,26,5), -1 );
-			gr_string(fspacx( 71), fspacy(50), TXT_NAME);
-			gr_string(fspacx(122), fspacy(50), TXT_SCORE);
-			gr_string(fspacx(167), fspacy(50), TXT_SKILL);
-			gr_string(fspacx(210), fspacy(50), TXT_LEVELS);
-			gr_string(fspacx(253), fspacy(50), TXT_TIME);
+			gr_string(*grd_curcanv, fspacx( 71), fspacy(50), TXT_NAME);
+			gr_string(*grd_curcanv, fspacx(122), fspacy(50), TXT_SCORE);
+			gr_string(*grd_curcanv, fspacx(167), fspacy(50), TXT_SKILL);
+			gr_string(*grd_curcanv, fspacx(210), fspacy(50), TXT_LEVELS);
+			gr_string(*grd_curcanv, fspacx(253), fspacy(50), TXT_TIME);
 			
 			if ( menu->citem < 0 )	
-				gr_string(0x8000, fspacy(175), TXT_PRESS_CTRL_R);
+				gr_string(*grd_curcanv, 0x8000, fspacy(175), TXT_PRESS_CTRL_R);
 			
 			gr_set_fontcolor( BM_XRGB(28,28,28), -1 );
 			
diff --git a/similar/main/titles.cpp b/similar/main/titles.cpp
index c83781358..7353be4b5 100644
--- a/similar/main/titles.cpp
+++ b/similar/main/titles.cpp
@@ -987,7 +987,7 @@ static void redraw_messagestream(const msgstream &stream, unsigned &lastcolor)
 		lastcolor = stream.color;
 		gr_set_fontcolor(stream.color,-1);
 	}
-	gr_string(stream.x+1,stream.y,msgbuf);
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, stream.x + 1, stream.y, msgbuf);
 }
 
 static void flash_cursor(briefing *br, int cursor_flag)
@@ -997,7 +997,7 @@ static void flash_cursor(briefing *br, int cursor_flag)
 
 	gr_set_fontcolor((timer_query() % (F1_0 / 2)) > F1_0 / 4 ? Briefing_text_colors[Current_color] : Erase_color, -1);
 
-	gr_string(br->text_x, br->text_y, "_" );
+	gr_string(*grd_curcanv, br->text_x, br->text_y, "_");
 }
 
 #define EXIT_DOOR_MAX   14
@@ -1549,7 +1549,7 @@ static window_event_result briefing_handler(window *, const d_event &event, brie
 			if (br->new_page || br->new_screen)
 				flash_cursor(br, br->flashing_cursor);
 			else if (br->flashing_cursor)
-				gr_string(br->text_x, br->text_y, "_");
+				gr_string(*grd_curcanv, br->text_x, br->text_y, "_");
 			break;
 
 		case EVENT_WINDOW_CLOSE: