Currently you can specify the sort order of the columns in the record window when you configure them. However only the column last clicked on is sorted (in the order defined when configuring).
It would be better (and more useful) if the sorting was across columns and that the order of the columns could be defined. Clicking on columns to re-sort would overrid the defined sorting. To reset back to mutiple column sorting would require a right click and a reset option on the pop-up menu (which currently displays Asc/Des/Cfg).
This feature would require a change to the configuration of columns so you can specify the sort order priority of the column in the configure column dialog. Currently are three columns in the configure dialog (Column/Sort/Type). A new column 'order' would be a number indicating the priority of the column in the multiple column sort. By default the 'individual column' which currently cannot be configured would be first.
An example of this feature would be that would allow easier searching/checking for individuals with similar names. For instance I have 250 William Axtells and 160 John Axtells. To sort them by date to be able to more easily spot a likly candidate for a match requires me to place all the William Axtells (for instance) into a temp named list which I can then sort by birth date. But then I have a John Axtell to match so I've got to place them into the named list. And again for a different name. I can't have seperate named lists for Williams and Johns because there are many other names, plus I'm always adding/merging records which aren't reflected in the named list pane.
ID:2151
* Multiple column sorting in record window
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Jane
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Multiple column sorting in record window
I will add this on to the list latter.
I use a custom query for this, which prompts for the surname and forename that I want, obviously you could default the surname to Axtell if you want.
With Queries you can use hidden columns to add the sort order you require at the front of the query while keeping the data in the same order.
From the query window you can select a person and press F3 to jump to that person in the records window.
Another option is if you click on the date column to sort and then click on the name column people will appear sorted by date with in name as the records window uses a statefull sort.
I use a custom query for this, which prompts for the surname and forename that I want, obviously you could default the surname to Axtell if you want.
With Queries you can use hidden columns to add the sort order you require at the front of the query while keeping the data in the same order.
From the query window you can select a person and press F3 to jump to that person in the records window.
Another option is if you click on the date column to sort and then click on the name column people will appear sorted by date with in name as the records window uses a statefull sort.
Multiple column sorting in record window
Thanks for the info. That nearly works, except that middle names throws the neat trick. All the people with middle names come after the ones without, even with the dates sorted first - which basically is useless to me. I might as well go through each individually so the named list trick works for me - till multi-column sorting comes [smile]
The problem with the query method is the fact that you can't open up the records to check something out. You have to switch to the record window, then switch back to the query window, then switch to the record window, then switch back to the query window. Or you double click each record in question which just shows one record. Being able to see many record open in the record window is very useful and I find I use it to help narrow down potential candidates.
That's why I find the named list method the best solution for now. [wink] Plus I can add individuals with similar sounding names to the list.
PS. F3 doesn't work in the query window.
The problem with the query method is the fact that you can't open up the records to check something out. You have to switch to the record window, then switch back to the query window, then switch to the record window, then switch back to the query window. Or you double click each record in question which just shows one record. Being able to see many record open in the record window is very useful and I find I use it to help narrow down potential candidates.
That's why I find the named list method the best solution for now. [wink] Plus I can add individuals with similar sounding names to the list.
PS. F3 doesn't work in the query window.
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Jane
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Multiple column sorting in record window
A couple of things, you can use the property dialogue with the query window, just put on the all tab to see all the data.
To get round the middle name problem. Just put a column in for first name and one for surname. Click on date then surname then first name.
I thought I used to use the F3 from queries, but I probably used the button on the property dialogue sorry.
To get round the middle name problem. Just put a column in for first name and one for surname. Click on date then surname then first name.
I thought I used to use the F3 from queries, but I probably used the button on the property dialogue sorry.
Multiple column sorting in record window
The reason I like the named list method is because I can open up multiple records. The all tab in the property dialog only opens up one.
The click on each column in order is semi-useful but every time you add/delete/amend you have to remember to click the columns again. So it would still be nice to have a wish list item for multiple columns.
However - I might want to backtrack a bit [oops]. Its not such a high priority as I've just realised (from the 'click-column-in-order' method that multiple column sorting won't solve the problem. What really is needed is for the sorting of names to optionally ignore middle names. Then I can search my multiple names more easily. Another wish list item. Sorry - I seem to be going through a whole batch of things to add to the wish list. [rolleyes]
The click on each column in order is semi-useful but every time you add/delete/amend you have to remember to click the columns again. So it would still be nice to have a wish list item for multiple columns.
However - I might want to backtrack a bit [oops]. Its not such a high priority as I've just realised (from the 'click-column-in-order' method that multiple column sorting won't solve the problem. What really is needed is for the sorting of names to optionally ignore middle names. Then I can search my multiple names more easily. Another wish list item. Sorry - I seem to be going through a whole batch of things to add to the wish list. [rolleyes]
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Jane
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Multiple column sorting in record window
Looking at your requests, I wonder if a better solution might be to ask for the 'record window' view to be avaiable in the query engine, so you could open records in the query, I have no idea if its possible, but it might solve the problem with out making the record window activity too busy.
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Multiple column sorting in record window
That would be a good solution. It would make the program a bit more consistent with all places where a record could be viewed being the same as opposed to currently where the query side has it's own special way of displaying things.