Field sort (alphabetic, data source) in Tableau - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Sorting fields helps you organize your data in a clear order. You can sort fields alphabetically or by the order they appear in your data source. This makes it easier to find and analyze information in your Tableau views.

When you want to list product names alphabetically in a sales report.

When you need to show dates in the order they appear in your data source for a timeline.

When you want to sort customer names alphabetically in a dashboard filter.

When you want to keep the original order of categories as they are in your data source.

When you want to quickly switch between alphabetical and data source order to compare views.

Steps

Step 1: Open

- Tableau worksheet

Your data fields and view are visible on the screen

Step 2: Right-click

- the field name in the Data pane

A context menu appears with sorting options

Step 3: Select

- "Sort" from the context menu

The Sort dialog box opens

Step 4: Choose

- Sort dialog box, under Sort Order

Options for sorting appear: Ascending, Descending, or Manual

Step 5: Select

- Sort By section, choose either "Data Source Order" or "Alphabetic"

The field will sort according to your choice

Step 6: Click

- "OK" button in the Sort dialog box

The field in your view updates to the selected sort order

Before vs After

Before

Field values appear in the order they were added in the data source, for example: Banana, Apple, Cherry

After

Field values appear alphabetically sorted: Apple, Banana, Cherry

Settings Reference

Sort Order

📍 Sort dialog box

Controls whether the field sorts from A to Z or Z to A, or manual order

Default: Ascending

Sort By

📍 Sort dialog box

Determines the basis of sorting the field values

Default: Alphabetic

Common Mistakes

Choosing Manual sort without setting the order

Manual sort requires you to arrange items yourself; without doing this, the order may seem random

After selecting Manual sort, drag items in the view to set the desired order

Expecting sort to apply to all worksheets automatically

Sort settings apply only to the current worksheet or field instance

Set sorting individually on each worksheet or use a shared field with consistent sorting

Summary

Field sort lets you organize data alphabetically or by the original data source order.

You control sorting through the Sort dialog box accessed by right-clicking the field.

Remember that sorting applies per worksheet and manual sorting needs you to arrange items.