The surface periodic microstructures on chromium film were induced by the nanojoule femtosecond laser. We analyzed the distribution of temperature on the chromium film surface with the theory of interference between the incident laser and the excited surface plasmons wave and the principles of periodic surface structures were explained. Experimental results are in coincidence with numerical simulation. The periodic microstructures formed on the chromium film should be helpful for us to understand the physical mechanism of the interaction between the chromium film and the femtosecond laser.