Sort lists and paragraphs in alphabetical and reverse alphabetical order
Managing and sorting lists in word processors like Google Docs is not easy. That’s why we recommend using a spreadsheet program like Google Sheets for long and complex lists. However, there are times when you have to insert a list in Google Docs in your document. Google Docs gives you access to tools so that you can manage and sort these lists. Whether you want to sort a list or the entire document, here’s how to alphabetize it in Google Docs.
How to alphabetize in Google Docs
One of the best things about Google Docs is that it’s super easy to learn, and you can use it on almost any device that allows apps, from the great Chromebooks to your Android phone. Unlike other word processors that bombard you with features you may never use, this application keeps the most useful features front and center. But don’t mistake its simplicity for a lack of features, as Google Docs is packed with features and rivals the best word processors.
It also supports add-ons that add extra features. It’s similar to using Chrome extensions on your Google Chrome browser. For this guide, we use this feature to install an add-on, which helps you organize your document in alphabetical order. The add-on is called Sorted Paragraphs. It allows you to sort list items and paragraphs in alphabetical (A→Z) and reverse alphabetical (Z→A) orders.
How to install the Sorted Paragraphs add-on in Google Docs
Before installing the add-on, log in with the correct Google Account. Like all documents, any add-on you install is restricted to the Google Account you are using.
- Open any document in Google Docs and open the Extensions menu.
- Hover over Add-ons and choose the Get add-ons option.
- Use the search field to find Sorted Paragraphs and click to open it.
- Click the Install button to install the add-on.
- Click the Allow button to grant the add-on access to your document.
How to alphabetize paragraphs and lists in Google Docs
Now, it’s time to use the add-on to alphabetize your document in Google Docs. You can use the add-on to alphabetize the entire document or a part of it. It uses the first letter of each word or paragraph for sorting. If the first letter is the same, it moves to the second letter, and so forth.
- Open the document you want to alphabetize in Google Docs.
- Highlight the list or paragraphs you want to sort alphabetically. To sort the entire document, use the keyboard shortcut Control+A (or Command+A on a Mac) to select everything.
- Open the Extensions menu to see the Sorted Paragraphs add-on.
- Hover over the add-on and choose the Sort A to Z option to sort the selected text alphabetically.
- Similarly, choose the Sort Z to A option to sort the selected text in reverse alphabetical order.
If you created separate headers to organize your Google Docs document, sort one section at a time to preserve your document structure and table of contents.
How to sort your documents alphabetically in Google Docs
Apart from alphabetizing your content in Google Docs, you can sort your documents alphabetically for better organization. If you have dozens of documents saved in Google Docs, sorting them by title helps you quickly find and open documents when it’s time to work. Here is how to sort your documents by name in Google Docs.
- Open Google Docs in your browser and log in with your account.
- Click the Sort (AZ) button.
- Choose the Title option.
You can only sort documents alphabetically. There isn’t an option to sort documents in reverse alphabetical order.
Alphabetize in Google Docs to quickly organize lists and paragraphs
Google Docs is a versatile writing app that gives you access to all kinds of features, including real-time sharing, templates, tracking changes, voice typing, and more. The best part is that you get all these features for free. To learn about these features and get the most out of Google Docs, check out our Google Docs tips and tricks article.
