# 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.  

![](/files/0VQfiMdhRVujJSS554SS)

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

![](/files/UKvvIfAXFVVJRTOo8aTy)

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* ![](/files/5Xkx0OFBXjAm92AwKmm8) to sort the dataset. The Grid will now reflect the specified sort order. For example, sorting the *StoreName* column in ascending order.  

![](/files/n10viwvPtbiUDkdWYWBx)

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* ![](/files/IYSOb99NQFijZlqNzGGq) to confirm.

![](/files/IT9KWcI2pzRVRGHpJEam)


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