This study describes the process of performing structural optimization using ANSYS. In the first part, the general concepts in optimization and optimization algorithms for different type of optimization problems are covered. Also finite element method is introduced briefly in this part. In the second part, important definitions in structural optimization are mentioned. Then the optimization methods available in ANSYS are explained with their theories. Necessary steps to perform optimization with ANSYS are described at the end of this part. In the next part, sample problems found from scientific papers are solved using ANSYS and the results are compared. At the end of the study, the results obtained from the example problems are discussed whether they came out as expected or not. Also conclusions are made about solving optimization problems and performing structural optimization with ANSYS.