How do I make lists that sort automatically and alphabetically?

Question

I am trying to make a lists of names in Microsoft Word but I want to make them sort themselves alphabetically. And I wondered if there was a quick way to do it

Answer 1

The best way to sort lists would be to use Excel. There is a command called Sort, under Data on the Menu bar.
If you want to use Word, though, you can select the list (it has to be in lines, meaning each name has to be in a different line), then go to Table, Sort... and have it sort by paragraphs. The main reason to have each name on a different line is to have the computer recognize each line as a paragraph.

Answer 2

You might be better off making the list in Excel which allows you to sort easily or you could prepare your word document using a table.

If you use a table you can sort by:

1. Select the list or table you want to sort.
2. On the Table menu, click Sort.
3. Select the sort options you want.

If you have already prepared the document you can incorporate it into a table easily by creating a table and cutting and pasting the into into the table. Just be sure to have the correct number of rows and columns.

hope this helps.

Answer 3

Excel is the perfect tool for making lists. It is easy to sort alphabetically: just paste in your list of names then click the sort "A / Z" icon. Add names to the end of the list, then hit the sort button again; it will resort with the added names.

You can sort in Word, but it is more time consuming to set up into a table and manage.

Answer 4

After you make your list, highlight it and go to Table>Sort. This will give you options to sort ascending or descending by text, number or date. This is just a basic way to get you started. If you go to the Help>Microsoft Word Help and look up list;sort and then choose sorting, it'll give more details on how to do it.

Answer 5

Use Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. Or using word, create a table then enter data, and click the sort button.

Answer 6

I don't know if this is possible in Excel. So far the answers you received will not allow the sheet to automatically update when you add data, you'll have to keep on selecting the sort option in order to update the sorting to include new additions.

Answer 7

Like everyone say, do it in Excel. Much easier to deal with these kind of documents. If you've already created a huge list and don't want to retype the whole thing, use the import file function in the 'Data' menu: "Data" menu > "Get External Data" > "Import text file".

Answer 8

Minky is right. Word can sort if you put a table in it. I've never known MS word to sort,but Excel sorts very nicely. Can you do your document in a spreadsheet instead?

Answer 9

Right click on table and select sort. Select column to sort on and you are there.

The sorting is static though. If you change /add data then you will have to click sort again.

Answer 10

Try Excel or insert a table.