Someone recently asked if it was possible to list Microsoft Word documents by date order. This is so relatively straight forward once you know how to do it that I almost did not write an article about it. However, on the basis that things are only easy when you know the answer we will cover it here in case it helps someone in the future. For this example we will use Microsoft Word 2010.

First off from within Microsoft Word head into File, then Open, navigate to your folder of Word Documents, and you should see something similar to the image on the right.

The list shows the Word documents within the selected folder.

If your Window does not show Word documents then double check you have the correct folder then click on the little icon “Change Your View” in the row of field headings above the files. From here choose “Details”.

You should look for the field that has the heading “Date Modified” which should now be a new column in the list of files.

If “Date Modified” is not in your list then right click on the heading bar and a small menu should appear. Ensure there is a tick next to “Date Modified” and you should be set. You can also drag the field around so you can place “Date Modified” next to “Name”.

Above the date modified field there is a small triangle – when it points down it lists files in descending order (latest file first), when it points upwards the files are listed in ascending order (latest file last).

To change the order of the files simply click anywhere on the Date modified field header.

Hopefully, this tip will help someone out there. If you have an issue with Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, that you need help with please drop me a line either through mail or comments.