Melanin was extracted by alkali solution and acid extraction method with the assistance of microwave from Tremella fuciformis residue. The separation and purification was optimized. The spectral characteristics and antioxidant activities of melanin were researched. The results showed that the optimum process of extracting melanin from Tremella fuciformis residue by alkali solution and acid extraction method with the assistance of microwave were as follows: amount of extraction solvent to yield 140, concentration of NaOH 1.75 mol/L, hydrolyzing time 2 h, microwave treatment time 60 s. In this condition color value of melanin extracted from Tremella fuciformis residue was 156.6, and was 316.0 after purification. By spectroscopic, melanin from Tremella fuciformis residue was identified to be DOPA. The half clearance rates of DPPH radical and ·O^-₂ radical were 1.74, 1.08 mg/mL, respectively.