Reactive ion etching of Pt thinfilm was studied using $CCl_2F_2$, Ar, and $O_2$ . Etch rate of the Pt increased as the total pressure decreases and the RF power increased, while the flow rate of $CCl_2F_2$ had little effect on the Pt etch rate. Addition of $O_2$ had no effect on Pt etch rate up to 20% $O_2$ Selectivity between Pt and photoresist increased as the pressure decreased and the RF power increased, making it possible to pattern a thicker Pt layer with a thinner photoresist. A maximum etch rate of 300$AA$/min was obtained at $CCl_2F_2$ flow rate of 20 sccm. RF power of 400 W, and the total pressure of 60mTorr.