One embodiment provides a method. The method includes receiving, with a computing system, stylus orientation data representing an orientation of a stylus. The method includes receiving, with a computing system, grip characteristics data representing a grip on the stylus by a user. The method includes identifying, with the computing system, a stylus mode for use by the computing system, at least partially based on the stylus orientation data and the grip characteristics data. The method includes applying the stylus mode to the computing system to interpret interaction data representing interactions of the stylus with the computing system.