Organize Your Text Instantly
Sorting text is a fundamental operation in data processing, content management, and everyday productivity. Our Text Sorter handles alphabetical, numerical, and random sorting with options for case sensitivity, reverse order, and duplicate removal—all in your browser.
Sorting Options Explained
| Sort Type | Use Case | Example Order |
|---|---|---|
| Alphabetical (A-Z) | Name lists, glossaries | Apple, Banana, Cherry |
| Alphabetical (Z-A) | Reverse alphabetical | Cherry, Banana, Apple |
| Numerical | Numbers, prices, scores | 1, 2, 10, 20, 100 |
| Line Length | Organize by complexity | Short first → Long last |
| Random | Shuffle, randomize order | Different each time |
⚠️ Alphabetical vs Numerical
Alphabetical sorting treats numbers as text: "1, 10, 2, 20". Use Numerical sort for proper number ordering: "1, 2, 10, 20". This is a common gotcha when sorting data!
Common Use Cases
Data Cleanup
- Sort CSV columns alphabetically
- Organize name lists for directories
- Clean up exported database results
Content Creation
- Alphabetize glossary terms
- Sort bibliography entries
- Organize tag lists and keywords
Development
- Sort configuration options
- Organize import statements
- Alphabetize translation keys
Advanced Sorting Tips
Case Sensitivity
By default, sorting is case-insensitive ("Apple" = "apple"). Enable case-sensitive mode when you need "Apple" to sort before "apple" (uppercase letters come first in ASCII order).
Natural Sort Order
For files like "file1, file2, file10", use numerical sorting to get the natural order. Standard alphabetical sorting would produce "file1, file10, file2".
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sort by specific columns?
This tool sorts by the entire line. For column-based sorting (like Excel), you'd need to use a spreadsheet application or prepare data so the sort column comes first.
How does random sorting work?
We use JavaScript's cryptographically secure random number generator to shuffle lines. Each shuffle produces a truly random order—useful for randomizing quiz questions, playlist orders, or drawing winners from a list.
Will empty lines be removed?
By default, empty lines are preserved but sorted to the beginning or end. Enable "Remove empty lines" to delete them during sorting.