This work compares thin layers (films) and monoliths prepared from alumina sols with respect to their microstructure, thermal evolution, porosity and specific surface area. After heat treatment at similar temperatures, films and monoliths showed the same qualitative changes in porosity and specific surface area. However, some marked quantitative differences were detected. Film fragments had a lower open porosity, a lower specific surface area and a narrower pore size distribution. Furthermore, the thermal evolution showed a markedly different burnout of organic components between films and monoliths. The observed differences between films and monolith can be explained by the ageing history of the sols during sample preparation. (C) 2010 Elsevier By. All rights reserved.