Sort contacts

``` Navigation: Main_Page > Contacts > Sort contacts

How do I sort contacts by first or last name?

Sorting contacts is an important capability within ActiveCampaign as it helps users easily manage and find their contacts. By default, ActiveCampaign lists contacts alphabetically by their email address, but it provides flexibility for users to temporarily sort contacts by either first name or last name. This can enhance the user experience, particularly for those managing larger databases of contacts.

How to access the sort contacts feature

To start sorting your contacts, navigate to the Contacts Overview page within your ActiveCampaign account. This feature is available for all plan types, including Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise. Before you sort your contacts, ensure that the First Name and Last Name fields are displayed on the overview page.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these detailed steps to sort your contacts by first or last name:

1. **Open Contacts Overview Page**: Log into your ActiveCampaign account and navigate to the Contacts section.

2. **Display Name Fields**: Ensure that both the First Name and Last Name fields are visible on the Contacts Overview page. If they are not, click the gear icon located under the filter bar.

3. **Add Name Fields**: From the dropdown menu that appears, select First Name and Last Name to add these fields. For this example, we will add the Last Name field to the overview page.

4. **Sort Contacts**: Once the fields are visible, locate the column headers for First Name and Last Name on the Contacts Overview page. Click on either column header to sort your contacts accordingly. You can choose to sort in **ascending** or **descending** order by clicking on the directional icon that appears next to the field name.

It is important to note that while you can sort contacts, the system defaults to sorting by email address in ascending order when the sorting preferences aren't set.

Configuration options and settings

In the context of sorting contacts, there are a few key configuration options available:

• First Name: By displaying this field, users can sort contacts based on their first names.
• Last Name: Similar to the first name, this field allows contacts to be sorted by last names.

However, users cannot save their sorting preferences within the ActiveCampaign settings; the system will always default to sorting contacts by email address.

Best practices and tips

To optimize your experience when sorting contacts, consider the following best practices:

• **Regularly Update Contact Information**: Make sure that the first and last name fields of your contacts are filled in accurately. This will ensure that sorting yields the best results.
• **Use Sorting for Targeted Outreach**: By sorting your contacts by name, you can easily prepare for bulk emails or campaigns targeted at specific groups, enhancing your outreach efforts.
• **Combine Sorting with Filtering**: To gain better insights, combine sorting with various filtering options available in the ActiveCampaign interface.

Troubleshooting

If you experience issues while attempting to sort contacts:

• Ensure that the First Name and Last Name fields are displayed. If they are not visible, repeat the steps to add them.
• Remember that sorting preferences cannot be saved; you must click the column headers each time you want to sort.
• If your contacts are not sorting as expected, verify that no additional filters are applied that may affect the displayed contacts.

Related features

For additional functionalities that enhance contact management, see:

• Tags
• Segments
• User Groups

FAQ

• Can I save my sorting preferences?

 No, sorting preferences cannot be saved. The default is to sort by email address.

• What happens if a contact doesn’t have a first or last name?

 If a contact does not have a first or last name entered, they will be displayed in accordance with alphabetical sorting by the available name fields.

• Is sorting contacts applicable to all account plans?

 Yes, this feature is available for all account types: Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise.

• Can I sort by multiple criteria?

 Currently, sorting can only be done by either first name or last name at a time, not both simultaneously.

• Will sorting affect my contact data?

 No, sorting contacts does not change the underlying data; it only rearranges the display for your convenience.

• Can I filter contacts after sorting them?

 Yes, you can apply additional filters after sorting to further narrow down your contact list.

• What do I do if I encounter a sorting bug?

 If you face any bugs with the sorting feature, please reach out to ActiveCampaign support for assistance.

Feel free to reach out for more support or refer to the related features to enhance your contact management experience in ActiveCampaign. ```