Abstract: The mechanical behavior of five steel shear panel dampers with or without optimized shapes were tested cyclically to examine the influence of shape optimization and axial loads. The test results show that the stiffness and strength design equations can predict the behavior with less difference to the test values. The ultimate shear deformation of the optimized dampers is 33% larger than the traditional one without optimization. Unlike the traditional damper where plasticity was concentrated in the four corners, the optimized damper starts to yield from the center of the panel, which significantly improves the plasticity strain and stress concentration, thus reduces the fracture probability. Compared with the design values, axial loads can increase the shear bearing force, but decreases the stiffness. Finally, it is found that the all-bolt assembled damper can be easily replaced, and avoid the adverse effect from welding, thus significantly reduce the repair time and cost.