The grain orientation control via twinning activity on deformation features is of great significance to offer a key insight into understanding the deformation mechanism of Mg alloy sheets. The {10–12} twinning were performed by pre-strain paths, i.e., tension (6%) and compression (5%) perpendicular to the c-axis along extrusion direction (ED), to investigate the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of AZ31 Mg alloy sheets. The distinction in the texture evolution and strain hardening behavior was illustrated in connection with the pre-strain paths for the activities of twinning and slip. The result shows that the activation of the deformation mode was closely bound up with the grain orientation and the additional applied load direction. The {10–12} twin-texture components with c-axis//ED were generated by pre-compression, which can provide an appropriate alternative to accommodate the thin sheet thickness strain and enhance the room temperature formability of Mg alloy sheet.