The macroscopic alignment and superlattice structures of CdSe nanorods in a nematic liquid-crystalline (LC) phase are determined by the phases that form prior to complete solvent evaporation (e.g., vortex structures in linear arrays, see Figure). By controlling the phase of the LC solution and its orientation using pre-treated surfaces or external fields, it may be possible to achieve fine control of order in deposited nanorod films.