In this paper a complex investigation of structure and mechanical properties of TiN coatings deposited on preliminary ion-implanted high-speed steel is made. The coatings were deposited by are evaporation in vacuum on substrates implanted with nitrogen and boron ions at doses of 1 x 10(16), 5 x 10(16) and 1 x 10(17) ions cm(-2). The space distribution profiles of the implanted ions and the distribution profiles of the deposited energy in a cascade of elastic collisions were calculated according to the 4-type Pearson’s distribution. The structure; phase composition, surface topography and alloying element distribution in the substrate were investigated, as well as the fine crystal structure. Measurements of coating adhesion and microhardness were carried out by scratch and microhardness testers. TiN-coating deposition on preliminary boron and nitrogen ion-implanted steel leads to improved adhesion, microhardness and wear-resistance properties of the coating. Better results are obtained in samples implanted with boron ions at a dose of 1 x 10(17) ions cm(-2).