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MacFamilyTree:
How Can I Change The Sort Order In List Views?
Use Column Headers For Sorting.
Below, I will talk a little more in detail about the functionality of a list view. However, what you need to know for sorting is only one aspect of the list views — »Column Headers«:
A column header is that tiny field on top of a column within a list view: usually, you can click it with your mouse. After clicking with your mouse, the column header should change its color to the selection color you defined. If the column header's color changes, this means, the specific column has been selected.
The entire list should now be re-ordered (i.e. »sorted«), following the alphanumeric order of the information contained in the cells of the selected column: the column header functions as a flexible »sorting criterion«.
This sort order is »dynamic«: new items will automatically appear at the position implied by the active sorting criterion. Also, you can change the sorting criterion at any time, just by selecting another column header. — Sorting items in a list view will not affect the information in your database.
Lastly, a very convenient advantage when using column headers for sorting is that you can quickly invert the sort order for any column: just click on the selected (i.e. »highlighted«) column header a second time, and the alphanumeric order will be reversed. — Have a look at our sample image below, where the small up- or downwards pointing arrow indicates the active sort order:
Definition
»List Views« refers to those dynamic lists which appear all over MacFamilyTree and also in other places and application programs on your Mac.
List views are standard elements of OS X, and they are useful for obtaining an instant overview of all the items in e.g. a folder on your Mac's hard disk, or of transactions in your personal finances tool. In MacFamilyTree, list views help quickly acces persons, families and events, as well as sources or media files.
While referring to »List Views«, I am not talking about MacFamilyTree's »Reports«, which generate lists too. Also, »Views« such as Charts or the Virtual Tree in MacFamilyTree are separate and different features. We'll see how to use and work with them in another tutorial.
More information on list views can be found here.
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