We investigated the etching characteristics of chromium films by using Cl$_2$/O$_2$ gas mixtures with electron cyclotron resonance plasma. In order to examine the chemical etch characteristics of Cr films by using Cl$_2$/O$_2$ gas plasma, we obtained the etch rate with various gas mixing ratios. By X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the surface reaction on the chromium films during the etch was examined. From narrow scan analyses of Cr, Cl, and O, it was confirmed that a chromium oxychlorie (CrCl$_{x}$O$_{y}$) layer was formed on the surface by the etch using Cl$_2$/O$_2$ gas mixtures. We observed a new characteristic emission line during the etch of chromium films using Cl$_2$/O$_2$ gas mixtures by an optical emission spectroscopy. It was found that the peak intensity of this emission line had a tendency compatible with the etch rate. The origin of this emission line was discussed in detail. At the same time, the etched profile was also examined by scanning electron microscope.e.e.