The structure and mechanical properties of TiN and TiCN thin films deposited on STD61 steel substrates by the RF-sputtering methods has been studied by using XPS, XRD, micro-hardness tester, scratch tester, and wear-resistance tester. XPS results showed that the TiCN thin film formed with chemical bonding state. The TiN thin films grew with (111) orientation having the lowest strain energy by compressive stress, whereas the TiCN thin films grew with both (111) and (200) orientation, but (200) orientation having the lowest surface energy becomes dominant as carbon contents increase. The pre-etching treatment of substrate did not affect on the preferred orientation of thin films, but it played an important role in improving mechanical properties of thin films such as the hardness, adhesion and wear- resistance. Especially, the TiCN thin films showed the superior wear resistances due to high hardness and low friction coefficient compared with TiN thin films.