Formation of cresol red dye immobilized silica films derived by conventional as well as CTAB and P123 templated sol-gel is discussed. Comparative structural, textural, and optical properties of films derived by these three different methodologies were determined using analytical instrumental techniques like X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), surface area, and porosity measurements. Optical and pH sensing response properties of films were monitored by visible spectrophotometer. An attempt is made to demonstrate how incorporation of dyes affects the structure and interactions in films formed by different described methods leading to functional benefits in pH stimuli response behavior.