In this paper, a three-dimensional pen interaction technique based on the pen roll angle in normal writing or drawing is proposed. Two experiments are conducted to present the methods. In experiment 1 the range of the pen's pitch angle, yaw angle and roll angle due to normal writing and drawing unconsciously in 3D space are explored to show that the roll angle is used only small part of the possible range so it could be used in interactive control. In experiment 2, the range of the roll angle, accurate and efficient under conscious interaction are further investigated. Two independent variables, angular width and angular distance are introduced to evaluate the performance of the system. The experiment results show that the available angle range [−135 • , −20 • ] and [20 • , 135 • ] together with an angle resolution W=10 degrees are the preferred parameter combination. The method in this paper would provide an approach to implement interactive instruction through pen roll and meanwhile do not interfere with normal writing and drawing so as to promote the interaction performance of the system.