Turn off grouping for file searches within apps

The window of search results you posted is sorted by columns. The column you have selected is Date Modified, and you have chosen newest first.

To sort by a different parameter, click on a different column heading. To toggle the sort order of that column, click again.

Hi erockthehowse,

Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Communities. We understand you'd like sort how the files are grouped when opening a document from an application, and we'd like to assist. In most applications you'll see a group button at the top left of the window. Which application are you using? If you save a file to your Desktop and then try opening the document does the grouping button appear? This article has some helpful information as well:

Ways to quickly see items in the Finder on Mac

Do you have any available updates for the application or for macOS?

We look forward to learning more about your issue.

Take care.