Access to the 17th edition of Chicago writing and citation style guides. Chicago doesn't require a specific font or font size, but recommends using something simple and readable (eg, 12 pt.This section contains information on The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) method of document formatting and citation. Chicago has two documentation methods. If you're using authordate instead of notes, any information not in the text would be placed in a parenthetical text reference. Discover the ultimate guide on how to write a Chicago style essay. This guide is based on The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th ed. The CMOS requires quotation of all wordforword material.