How to Sort Things Alphabetically in Google Docs [3 Ways]

When making an alphabetical list, Google Docs can be tricky at first glance.

Compared to other writing programs, Google Docs does not have a built-in feature for alphabetically sorting paragraphs. However, the action is not impossible.

Creating an alphabetized list in Google Docs can be done with the help of an add-on or by using Google Sheets or Microsoft Word, which will require a couple of app switches.

Now that this is clear to you let's look at how to store items and paragraphs alphabetically.

How to do alphabetical order on Google Docs

Since Google Docs doesn’t offer a feature for sorting items in alphabetical order, users are left with three options:

• Use Google Sheet’s sort range or sort sheet options.
• Use the Microsoft Word sorting option.
• Install the add-on for alphabetical sorting items.

Method one: Sort alphabetically in Google Docs using Google Sheets sorting option

1. Locate the Google Docs document in which you want the items to be alphabetically stored.
2. Copy the list and paste it into Google Sheets Document.
3. Select the columns by highlighting them, and click on the Data menu.
4. Select Sort Sheet and click on Sort Sheet by Column A to Z.

5. You will get an alphabetically sorted list.
6. Highlight the columns again; copy and paste them into your Google Docs.

Method two: Sort alphabetically in Google Docs using Microsoft Word sorting option

1. Locate the Google Docs document in which you want the items to be stored.
2. Copy the list and paste it into Microsoft Word Document.
3. Click the Home menu. The Sort button is marked by a downward pointing arrow to the right of an A, and Z stacked on top of each other).

4. Click 'OK'.

5. Highlight the text again, and copy and paste it into your Google Docs.

Method three: Sort alphabetically in Google Docs using Sorted paragraphs or Doc Tools

Note: Some users reported that installing the suggested add-ons for alphabetically sorting a list of items in Google Docs doesn't work for them. If this is the case, try the first two methods we listed above.

Installing the Sorted paragraphs or Doc Tools

1. In your Google Docs, click on Extensions and on the Add-ons menu.
2. Select Get Add-ons.
3. In the search bar, search for either of the add-ons: ‘Sorted paragraphs’ or ‘Doc Tools’.
4. Click on the Add-on and click on Install.
5. Give permission to an add-on to your Google account.

Sort the text in Google Docs using the Sorted paragraphs add on

1. Highlight the text you want to sort and click on the Extensions menu.
2. Hover over the Sorted paragraph extension and select Sort A to Z.

Sort the text in Google Docs using the Doc Tools add on

1. Highlight the text you want to sort and click on the Extensions menu.
2. Hover over the Docs Tools extension and select Sort the selection ascending.

Wrapping up

Google Docs does not offer a feature to alphabetize items, but fortunately, users can use some of the workarounds described in our step-by-step guide.

Hopefully, Google will add this feature to all its Google Workspace tools, making everything much more manageable.

👉 Make sure to learn more about Google Docs from our guides about How to Hide Comments in Google Docs, and How to Print Double-Sided on Google Docs.