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Q: Sorting files in Finder Window A-Z instead of Z-A

My issue arises when I access Finder through an app (for example, when I'm adding a file to my iTunes library). The files in the Finder window are being sorted Z-A instead of A-Z. I think I might have accidentally hit a shortcut to sort Z-A, and I can't figure out how to toggle it back. It's a small thing, but it's driving me crazy. I've tried switching between all the different viewing options, and that doesn't work. Anyone know what to do here?

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5)

Posted on Feb 9, 2015 9:14 AM

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Q: Sorting files in Finder Window A-Z instead of Z-A

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  • by judysings,

    judysings judysings Feb 11, 2015 7:07 AM in response to V.A.L.I.S.
    Community Specialists
    Feb 11, 2015 7:07 AM in response to V.A.L.I.S.

    Good Morning V.A.L.I.S.

    Thanks for the question.  I'll include some information about the Finder application below.  What I usually do is select a folder like Documents or Music and change the view to List view.  At the top of each column is a grey "header."  The first one you should see is Name.  Click on Name and your files will be sorted in order by the file name.  A ^ symbol beside the column heading indicates the files are in ascending ( A - Z ) order.  Click on the word Name again, and the sorting will toggle to descending order (Z - A).  Does that make sense?

     

    Mac Basics: The Finder organizes all of your files - Apple Support
    http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201732

     

    List View

     

    Choose View > as List to see the items in a consecutive order. You can change the sort order of the list by clicking the headers (Name, Documents, Kind, Date) at the top of the list view. Click the same header a second time to switch between ascending and descending order.

    If an item is within a folder, you can click the triangle next to the folder name to see any items stored within that folder. 

     

    Have a great day!

    - Judy