Sorting Tabular Tables

Word includes a powerful table editor that allows you to create some very flexible tables. However, you may get information from other people that has tables created with tabs between columns. As you work with such tables, you may have a need to sort them. To do so, follow these steps if you are using a version of Word prior to Word 2007:

1. Select all the paragraphs that make up the table.
2. Choose the Sort option from the Table menu. Word displays the Sort Text dialog box. (Click here to see a related figure.)
3. Use the Sort By drop-down lists to specify the field by which you want to sort. For instance, if you want to sort by the second column (the text after the first tab in each paragraph), you should choose Field 2 in the Sort By drop-down list.
4. Click on Options. Word displays the Sort Options dialog box. (Click here to see a related figure.)
5. Make sure the Tabs radio button is selected.
6. Click on OK to close the Sort Options dialog box.
7. Click on OK to sort your tabular table.

If you are using Word 2007, follow these steps, instead:

1. Select all the paragraphs that make up the table.
2. Display the Home tab of the ribbon.
3. Click the Sort tool in the Paragraph group. Word displays the Sort Text dialog box.
4. Use the Sort By drop-down lists to specify the field by which you want to sort. For instance, if you want to sort by the second column (the text after the first tab in each paragraph), you should choose Field 2 in the Sort By drop-down list.
5. Click on Options. Word displays the Sort Options dialog box.
6. Make sure the Tabs radio button is selected.
7. Click on OK to close the Sort Options dialog box.
8. Click on OK to sort your tabular table.