Cr2N-7Ag self-lubricating nanocomposite thin films were deposited on substrates made of Cr-V ledeburitic tool steel Vanadis 6 by reactive magnetron sputtering at a deposition temperature of 500 degrees C, using pure Cr and Ag targets, in a composite low pressure N-2/Ar atmosphere. The films are composed of Cr2N-matrix and Ag grains. The films have an average thickness of 4.3 mu m. They grew in a columnar manner, but, individual silver agglomerates were visible along the columnar crystals, also. The average size of silver agglomerates lies well below 50 nm. The nanohardness of the Cr2N-7Ag films was 16.17 +/- 1.93 GPa, e.g. itwas practically the same as for the pure Cr2N so for Cr2N-3Ag coatings analyzed recently. Also, the Young modulus was not negatively affected by elevated silver content. The coatings exhibited good adhesion on the substrate -the first critical loads, established by scratch-testing method, ranged between 31 and37 N. Annealing of the films at temperatures below the deposition temperature induced only very limited silver redistribution throughout Cr2N-matrix. The film annealed at 500 degrees C manifested more remarkable Ag-redistribution, being represented by the decrease in population density of Ag-agglomerates on the surface and by the decrease in silver content towards to film/substrate interface. Obtained results inferthat there is a good opportunity to design the Cr2N-Ag film for specific tribological applications, through proper choice of the deposition temperature. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.