This paper addresses the reason for the effectiveness of multilayer coatings on carbide tools. The crater wear evolution was observed in multilayered coated inserts using Confocal Microscopy. Steady-state turning experiments were carried out with multi-layer coated inserts consisting of TiN/Al 2O 3/TiCN deposited on a carbide substrate. The crater topography was obtained as a function of cutting time. A hump made of TiN coating adjacent to the cutting edge and traces of attached steel were found on the crater. The maximum depth locations were identified to be the exposed areas of the Al 2O 3 layer. Between 120s and 300s of cutting time, the images also showed that crater depth was stagnant but the area of exposed the Al 2O 3 layer broadened. This behavior can be explained by the superior dissolution wear resistance of Al 2O 3. Scoring marks were also detected in TiN and in exposed Al 2O 3 layers indicating the presence of abrasion wear.