How To: Alphabetize lists of words in Microsoft Word

Chronology in Microsoft Word is convenient when it comes to organizing your documents. Thankfully, you don't have to manually edit the document to put things in alphabetical order! This video shows you how to do it in a few clicks.

Microsoft Word 2003 and 2007 both allow you to sort lists of words alphabetically. The following instructions apply to both versions of Word, with the exceptions noted.

Step 1: Select the list.

Step 2: Select the Sort option

On the Home tab in Word 2007, in the Paragraph group, click Sort.

TIP: In Word 2003, click on Sort in the Table menu.

Step 3: Select the Paragraphs and Text options

Select the paragraphs and text options in the Sort Text dialog box, under Sort by.

TIP: In the My List Has section, click No Header Row if your list does not include a header.

Step 4: Select the alphabetization order.

Select either Ascending or Descending. Ascending gives a list in order from A to Z. Descending produces a list ordered from Z to A.

Step 5: Click OK.

Click OK. The list is alphabetized.

Did you know? "Alphabetize" comes from the first two letters of the Greek alphabet, alpha and beta.