This study investigates the characteristics of the externally pressurized, with multi-recessed, close-type, flat hydrostatic slideways by using the membrane or capillary restrictor as a compensating element, and the optimal design analysis for maximum bearing stiffness is presented by using the genetic algorithm. The general equations for film pressure are provided according to the flow rate balance of slideways. Results are in terms of the load capacity and the bearing stiffness. By using the genetic algorithm, searching the optimal design parameters to look for the maximum bearing stiffness and the load capacity.