How to Alphabetize a list in Google Docs

Alphabetizing refers to sorting a list in alphabetical order. For example, say you have a list of names in a table in your Google Docs document. You may want to sort these names in alphabetical order, starting with A.

In this article, we will be discussing 2 of these methods:

  • Using the ‘Sorted Paragraphs’ add-on to sort your paragraphs
  • Using Google Sheets to sort a list of items 


Method 1: Using the ‘Sorted Paragraphs’ add-on to sort your paragraphs

This method involves installing an add-on called ‘Sorted Paragraphs’ in your Google Docs document. You can then use this add-on to sort your paragraphs alphabetically. 

Step 1: Open your Google Docs document. 

documents’. 

Step 2: Click on the ‘Add-ons’ tab in the top left corner of the window. 

At the top left corner of the window, next to the ‘Tools’ tab, you should find the ‘Add-ons’ tab. Click on this tab to open a drop down menu. If you have installed add-ons before, you should find them in this tab. 

Step 3: Select the ‘Get add-ons’ option. 

At the bottom of the list, you will find the ‘Get add-ons’ option. Click on this option to open a new window where you can find and install new add-ons. 

Step 4: Type ‘Sorted Paragraphs’ in the search bar. 

At the top of the new window that just opened, you should find the search bar. Click on it, type ‘Sorted Paragraphs’ in it and press the Enter key (or the Return key, if you’re using a Mac) on your keyboard. 

Step 5: Install the add-on.

On the new page of the window, you should see the icon for the Sorted Paragraphs add-on. Click on this icon to go to another page containing information about the add-on. You can find information such as updates to the software and reviews that users have given. 

At the top of the page, you will also find a blue button with the word ‘Install.’ Click on this button to start the installation process.

When you click ‘Install,’ you will be directed to a page where you are asked for permission to install the add-on. Click on ‘continue.’ You may then be asked to sign into your Google account. Once you are done with this, your add-on should be installed. 

To check whether or not it has been installed, go to the ‘Add-ons’ menu once again. 

Step 6: Select the items you would like to sort. 

Even though the name of the add-on is ‘Sorted Paragraphs,’ the items you can sort using this add-on don’t have to be paragraphs. You can also use it on a list. However, keep in mind that you cannot use this add-on on a table. 

Step 7: Go to the add-ons tab and click on the ‘Sorted Paragraphs’ option.

Now, we are ready to use the add-on we just installed. To start, click on the ‘Add-ons’ tab and select the ‘Sorted Paragraphs’ option from the resulting drop down menu. 

This will open up another drop down list. From this list, you can select whether you want to sort the items in alphabetical order (A to Z) or reverse alphabetical order (Z to A). 

Once you choose an option, your list will be sorted in the way you wanted. 


Method 2: Using Google Sheets to sort a list of items

In the next method, we will use Google Sheets to sort a list of items. We will then simply paste the sorted list in Google Docs.

Step 1: Open your Google Sheets spreadsheet. 

Step 2: Copy the items you want to sort from Docs and paste it in Sheets. 

Next, copy the items in your Google Docs document and paste them to your Google Sheets spreadsheet one by one. Make sure that all the items are one below the other in a single column. 

Step 3: Click on the ‘Data’ tab at the top left corner of the screen and sort. 

The ‘Data’ tab is next to the ‘Format’ tab. Click on it to open a long drop down menu with various options. At the top of this menu, you should find the following 2 options for sorting your list: A to Z or Z to A. Make sure that you have selected the right column – that is, the column containing the list of items you would like to sort. Then, choose one of these options. 

You should notice that your column is sorted in the order you selected. 

Step 4: Copy and paste the sorted list back to your Google Docs document. 

Now, you can just copy the sorted list of items in Google Sheets and paste it back in your Google Docs document. Make sure to format the pasted list correctly. 

If you would like to delete the Google Sheets document, go to the ‘File’ tab and click on ‘Move to trash’ from the ‘File’ drop down menu. 

You can also use MS Word and MS Excel to alphabetize a list and then paste it into Google Docs


Conclusion 

We are finally at the end of our article!  

Thank you for reading!

3 thoughts on “How to Alphabetize a list in Google Docs”

  1. When I search for “sorted paragraphs” in add-ons I get this message: “We couldn’t find anything for your search.” (Interestingly, the phrase “Sorted Paragraphs” autofills in my search space just by typing “sort;” but there’s no results.) Maybe Google has changed things around. I say that because there is no “Add-Ons” tab next to “Tools” in my Google Docs view. Instead, it’s a small “+” sign on the right side of the Google Drive page. Oh well. I’ll use the Google Sheets method.

    Please let me know if you think I’m missing something. Otherwise, thanks for your post.

    Reply
  2. Sorted Paragraphs is no longer available to non workspace members. So if you aren’t paying you can’t get it. I tried today on multiple accounts and google has it blocked for the people who aren’t special enough.

    Reply
  3. It is much easier to download the google doc as microsoft word and then use the “Sort” tool. The info has to be in a table and then you select the table and click the sort tool and sort by whatever column you want.

    Reply

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