Sorting a Text Selection

Summary: Word allows you to sort not only information in tables, but also regular selections of text. This tip explains the easiest way to do this using the Sort Text dialog box. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, and Word 2003.)

As you use Word, there will be numerous times when you need to rearrange a list of items. Word provides a sorting tool that makes rearranging lists easy. To sort a selection of text, follow these steps:

Select the text containing the list to be sorted. Make sure only the list is selected.
Choose the Sort option from the Table menu. Word displays the Sort Text dialog box. (Click here to see a related figure.)
In the Sort Type drop-down list, select the type of sorting you want Word to perform. For instance, if the first information in your text list represents a date, you would choose Date as the Sort Type.
Using the radio buttons, indicate whether the sort should be Ascending or Descending.
Click on OK.

Tip #1098 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003

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Sorting a Text Selection