# Sort Columns

In this document, you will explore how to sort columns in Astera Dataprep.   

1. To sort columns in Astera Dataprep, click on the *Layout* option in the toolbar and select the *Sort Columns* option from the drop-down.  

![](https://3181888596-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzEifS4h8yurLAAwiGNX2%2Fuploads%2FZiQ50OUrwbrAd33B4for%2F0.png?alt=media)

2. Once selected, the *Recipe Configuration – Sort Columns* panel will open. 

![](https://3181888596-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzEifS4h8yurLAAwiGNX2%2Fuploads%2FfivbaUsen1IOO0zyoroS%2F1.png?alt=media)

3. In this panel:

* Optional checkboxes allow you to customize the sort behavior:
  * **Treat Null as the Lowest Value:** Places null values at the beginning of the sort.
  * **Case Sensitive**: Enables case-sensitive sorting.
  * **Return distinct values only**: Returns only unique rows in the sorted output.
* Use the *Field* drop-down to select the column you want to sort.
* The *Sort Order* options include:
  * **Ascending:** Sorts the column from A to Z or smallest to largest.
  * **Descending:** Sorts the column from Z to A or largest to smallest.

4. Click *Apply* ![](https://3181888596-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzEifS4h8yurLAAwiGNX2%2Fuploads%2FimJKynSsYssLbYvCw9gO%2F2.png?alt=media) to sort the dataset. The Grid will now reflect the specified sort order. For example, sorting the *StoreName* column in ascending order.  

![](https://3181888596-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzEifS4h8yurLAAwiGNX2%2Fuploads%2Fwtmd1qcKAQypFgkVcqyf%2F3.png?alt=media)

5. Alternatively, you can sort a column directly in the Grid by right-clicking on the column header and selecting *Sort Columns* from the menu. This opens the *Recipe Configuration panel* with the selected column pre-filled. Adjust the settings if needed and click *Apply* ![](https://3181888596-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzEifS4h8yurLAAwiGNX2%2Fuploads%2Fs981Ufv8EBNNex1HPe5M%2F4.png?alt=media) to confirm.

![](https://3181888596-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzEifS4h8yurLAAwiGNX2%2Fuploads%2F8Zwl7K2SQdT9R9FWewlp%2F5.png?alt=media)