Word 2007 – Sort Words, Paragraphs and Table Cells

Word 2007 finally fixed a huge problem that existed in earlier versions - it looked like there was no way to sort data in a list.

This wasn't the case - you used the table sort feature but it was far from being self evident.

Now Word 2007 uses the same tool it just puts it in a smart place.

To sort a list or series of words or paragraphs, select the text.

From the Ribbon, click the Home button and click the Sort button in the Paragraph group.

Choose Paragraph to sort on the first word and click Ok to sort the data in order.

If you're using an earlier version of Word, then visit this post to see how to sort in Word 2003 and earlier:

Sorting a Word list
http://www.projectwoman.com/labels/Table%20Sort.html

Where is it? Office 2007 stole your fave command

I get a lot of emails from folk who have spent time agonizing about things missing from the new Office 2007. True, a few of your old favourite commands have probably bitten the dust but some are still there, just not visible.

To see what you can't see (if that isn't a totally confusing statement) click the Office button, choose Word Options (or Excel Options if you're using Excel etc) and then click Customize. This is where you can manage your toolbar. From the Choose Commands From list choose Commands not in the Ribbon. The list below shows all the commands that still function but which you just can't see. Click any you can't live without and click Add to add them to the Quick Access toolbar and they'll be there for you to use.

This is also the first place to look when you are wondering if a certain command is on the ribbon. If you can't see it, check here, this is a definative list of what still works but isn't where it is easily accessed.

Hide the Ribbon in Office 2007

Ok, I'm on record, I love the ribbon in Word but on my laptop with its scrunched up screen (in the tradeoff between size and weight, I opt for weight!) the ribbon is sometimes too big.

Not a worry, it's simplicity itself to hide it. Press Control + F1 and it disappears and press it again and it reappears. You can also have it disappear so it will come back with a single click on any tab name. To do this, double click a tab name and the ribbon disappears. Single click a tab name and it reappears - click again on the tab or in the document, and it disappears. Repeat until you're tired of the magic! Double click or Control + F1 to go back to how it is.

It's a neat party trick to play on a co-worker (no! I did not tell you to do that), and a great way to buy back some much needed screen real estate.