This review discusses two classes of organic template-derived amorphous silicas distinguished by the nature of template-matrix interactions and the extent to which subsequent processing dictates the final pore morphology. First we discuss surfactant-templated silicas where the template-matrix interaction is via non-covalent bonding mechanisms and the pore structure is established in the solution stage. We then discuss silicas templated by organic ligands covalently bonded to the siloxane network where subsequent processing strongly influences the final pore structure.