For an application as templates of high performance with proper pore size and shape, porous anodic alumina films were prepared by anodization in oxalic acid, and formation behaviors of anodic alumina layer as well as dissolution process in acid solution have been investigated. The surface characteristics on anodic alumina layer were shown to be dependent on the fabrication parameters for anodization. For the dissolution behaviors of anodic alumina, the thickness of the barrier-type alumina layer decreased linearly with the rate of 0.98 nm/min in $H_3PO_4$ solution at $30^{circ}C$. The changes of the anodic alumina layers were analyzed by SEM and TEM.