Structural characteristics of chitosan hydrogels formed into membranes and granules are presented in the paper. Chitosan granules were cross-linked with Cu(II) ions at various concentrations. Structures obtained as a result of convective drying, freeze drying and convective drying at low temperatures in a closed air cycle have been compared. The structure was determined on the basis of microscopic studies and the areas and volumes of meso- and micropores.