Abstract: With the rapid development of modern weaponry and aerospace technology, higher requirements for cutting tools were put forward, and the cutting tool coating materials and technical equipment have become the focus of domestic and foreign scholars. The properties and characteristics of Ti N, Ti C and Cr N three commonly used binary coatings were introduced. Taking Ti-based, Al-based and Cr-based ternary and multi-component coatings as examples, the effects of different elements on the performance of coated tools were reviewed. Finally, the basic principles and research status of CVD,PVD and composite coating technologies were summarized, and the prospect was put forward.