Abstract: The anodic alumina template method is most commonly used for preparation of nanoarray materials. However, there are not unified viewpoints about formation mechanisms of the alumina nanopores. The ideal structures of alumina membranes and five different formation mechanisms of dissolution model, volume expansion model, growth model of steady state pores, critical current density model and plum blossom structure model are outlined with 26 references. In conclusion, the application and development prospects of the alumina template are also proposed.