We report a comparative optical spectral study as a function of pH on a porphyrin encapsulated in a sol-gel matrix and in methanol solution. Its response has been discussed in terms of pH-sensitivity as a function of the coatings thickness. Comparison with the behavior of such porphyrin in methanol solution is also included. Optical properties of the porphyrin doped coatings show a quasi linear behavior throughout the pH range studied. Luminescent emission of doped coatings has its maximum peak at a slightly lower wavelength compared with the response in liquid medium (methanol solution), while in the excitation spectra no clear tendency was observed for different pH. Coatings doped with 1 wt% porphyrin fulfill Lambert-Beer law, although the molar absorptivity of the encapsulated porphyrin in the coatings is slightly lower than in methanol solution. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.