Can I use Writer to make alphabertical lists?

[NoWinBob]

Brand new user with no office experience.I am using writer to make a list of about 500 names.I have created the list and figured out how to save it and add new names afterward.Is there a way to make the list in alphabetical order,preferably using the list I have already created?

[EarnestAl]

Without knowing what use you are going to put them to, I would have been inclined to consider using Calc. However the names can be copied over later if necessary. Have you entered firstnames and surnames together? Are you doing a type of address list?

Below are some different ways to sort:

1. Select the list of names and in the menu click Tools > Sort..., in the dialog choose ascending or descending as required and click OK. The names will be sorted by the first letter of the paragraph.
2. Select all the names, in the menu click Table > Convert > Text to table a dialog will appear, if you have Firstname[Space]Surname in your list then under separator you can click Other and enter a keyboard space, click OK. You will see a table with each paragraph in a cell, if you have used a separator then there will be two cells in each row. With two columns you have a choice of sorting by firstname or surname. Select all the cells by hovering over the top left corner until you see a dark diagonal arrow and click. In the menu click Table > Sort and in the dialog that opens, next to Key 1 (ticked) under the heading Column choose 1 for firstname sort or 2 for surname sort, OK
3. Select all the names, in the menu click Table > Convert > Text to table. Select all the cells by hovering over the top left corner until you see a dark diagonal arrow and click. In the menu click Edit > Copy (Ctrl+C). Open Calc, click in Cell A2 and click Edit > Paste. Click on the A at the top of the column to select the entire column, then click Data > Text to Columns , under separator options tick the Space box, you should see a preview of the firstnames and surnames separate into two (or more columns), if good, click OK

Hope it helps. Cheers, Al

[NoWinBob]

Thanks a million Al.By the way,it is first names only.Saved me hours of head scratching.