I recently downloaded Mountain Lion and soon after was contacted by a SAMUG member with a request on how to
make a simple column/listing of 1000 items and then sort it
in alphabetical sequence...
First off I discovered I had to go to, → System Preferences → Security & Privacy, then unlock my padlock at the bottom of the window using my system password, and then select; Allow applications to be downloaded from → Anywhere.
A free software App allows many options added to TextEdit, which includes Sort Lines Descending which rearranges all words/sentences in alphabetical order. This free download is available from:
Download WordService for Mac - Text editor add-on for enhanced functionality. MacUpdate.com
This App adds a lot of functionality to theTextEdit application. To install go to your Finder toolbar → Go → hold down the Option key and select Library. Now drag the new WordService.service icon into the Services folder. You’re now ready to select the many new options available for use in the TextEdit application.
Go to your - Finder toolbar - under Finder → scroll down to Services, and select → Service Preferences . Scroll down the menu list and select: Sort Lines Ascending. Now you have the set-up installed and ready to work in TextEdit.
To test your new feature, type up a column of a few words in random alphabetical order such as; Zebra. Dog, Apple, cat, elephant. Now click and highlight your list, or go to your TextEdit toolbar → Edit → Select All, or keyboard command (Option → Shift → K).
To alphabetize your column go under TextEdit on your toolbar and select Services → Sort Lines Ascending. Your column will now be sorted in alphabetical order.
Your new Services→ Sort Lines Ascending tool will available in TextEdit’s toolbar when ever you need it.