This article was updated to reflect current Dynamics 365 and Power Apps functionality.
This article is part of our complete guide to Views in Dynamics 365 and Power Apps.
👉 Read the full guide here.
Sorting is one of the simplest features in Dynamics 365 and Power Apps, but it’s also one of the most powerful. A well-sorted view makes it easier to scan data, spot patterns, and find exactly what you’re looking for — without filtering or searching.
In this article, we’ll cover how to sort views alphabetically, numerically, and chronologically, including how to create multi-column sorts.
Basic Sorting in a View
Sorting data in a view is straightforward.
If you want to sort by a column — such as Last Name — you can:
- Click the column header
- Choose to sort in ascending or descending order
For text fields, this means alphabetical or reverse-alphabetical sorting. For number and date fields, the sort happens numerically or chronologically.
Once a column is sorted, you’ll see an arrow indicator showing which column controls the sort and in which direction.
Switching the Sort Column
You’re not limited to sorting by just one specific field.
At any time, you can change the sort to a different column — for example:
- First Name
- Company Name
- Website
Even if a column comes from a related table, it can still be used for sorting, as long as it’s part of the view.
When you choose a new column to sort by, it replaces the previous sort unless you intentionally set up a multi-column sort.
Why Multi-Column Sorting Matters
Single-column sorting works well in many cases, but some data sets need more precision.
A common example is a Contacts list sorted by Last Name. While that’s useful, it can still leave you with multiple records that share the same last name.
This is where multi-column sorting comes in.
Setting Up a Multi-Column Sort
Creating a multi-column sort is surprisingly easy.
To do this:
- Sort the primary column first (for example, Last Name)
- Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard
- Click the secondary column you want to sort by (such as First Name)
You’ll now see multiple arrows, indicating that the view is:
- Sorted first by the primary column
- Then sorted by the secondary column
This means all contacts with the same last name will also be alphabetized by first name, making the list much easier to scan.
When to Use Multi-Column Sorting
Multi-column sorting is especially useful when:
- Records share common values (like last names or statuses)
- You want predictable, readable lists
- You’re reviewing large sets of data
It’s a small feature that can make views feel far more polished and intentional.
Final Thoughts
Sorting doesn’t change which records appear in a view — it simply changes how they’re presented. Combined with the right columns and filters, sorting helps turn views into powerful working tools instead of static lists.
Once you’re comfortable with multi-column sorting, you’ll find it hard to go back to single-column lists.
If you’d like help configuring views that make your data easier to work with in Dynamics 365 and Power Apps, P2 Automation can help.
Visit www.p2automation.com to learn more.
