Nanoporous alumina templates and titania nanotube arrays have emerged as highly important materials due to their many potential applications in a variety of research areas. The templates are prepared using an electrochemical anodization process starting from metallic Al or Ti films. Several different synthesis routes for the deposition of such templates have been demonstrated in literature. This article provides an overview of the various synthesis routes that may be employed. The templates have diverse applications and may also be utilized in the electrodeposition of nanowire arrays of a variety of materials, such as metals, semiconductors, etc. A brief overview of these deposition methods is also provided.