Sort by Parent Values Without Changing Order of Children Rows

Elliot Raff · 08/02/18

I have multiple tasks each with multiple sub-tasks. The tasks and sub-tasks are not in alpha order, for example:

Whether I leave the rows expanded or collapsed, when I sort the rows by task, it sorts the task and the sub-tasks, like so:

However, now the sub-tasks are out of their correct logical order, e.g., analyze data before gather data.

How do I sort based on the value in the parent row (Acme, Beta, Gamma) without that also applying to the children rows? Is the only way to put the sub-tasks in a new column, e.g., to the right of the task? Seems like needless column-proliferation, especially as on my actual sheet I have 2 or even 3 more levels down below the sub-tasks and not all sub-tasks have any or the same number of sub-levels.

Help is greatly appreciated.

Elliot Raff · 08/02/18

Screen shots did not come across, so here they are:

Elliot Raff · 08/02/18

Great - still no screen shots, 3rd try, old school:

Before sorting:

Gamma

Research potential sources of Gamma data

Identify Gamma experts and engage expert

Gather Gamma data

Beta

     Conduct Beta data test

     Determine what tests to perform

     Examine and correct Beta test 1

     Gather Beta data

Acme

     Analyze Acme data

     Gather Acme data

     Summarize Acme data analysis

After sorting:

Acme

     Analyze Acme data

   Gather Acme data

   Summarize Acme data analysis

Beta

     Conduct Beta data test

     Determine what tests to perform

     Examine and correct Beta test 1

     Gather Beta data

Gamma

     Gather Gamma Data

     Identify Gamma experts and engage expert

     Research potential sources of Gamma data

Andrée Starå · 08/02/18

Hi Elliot,

It sounds to me that the easiest solution would be to just move the parents around until they are in the correct order. The children will be grouped with the parents when you move them.

More info: https://help.smartsheet.com/articles/504742-sorting-rows

There are a few other ways to solve it, but this is the easiest one as I see it.

Would that work for you?

I hope this helps you!

Best,

Andrée Starå - Workflow Consultant @ Get Done

Elliot Raff · 08/02/18

It's cumbersome because in fact I have several dozen parent level tasks -- seems like there should be a way Smartsheets can do it correctly with a few set parameters.

J. Craig Williams · 08/03/18

Elliott,

Can I use your image in a post on my website?

I have a solution.

Craig

J. Craig Williams · 08/03/18

Here's the solution:

http://ronin-global.com/2018/08/03/smartsheet-sort-by-parent-ignore-children/

Craig

Hillary Valor · 06/24/20

Hi - I had the same problem as the original poster. I used your solution linked above and it worked great. My only problem is that it only works if you only sort by the "sort order" column created. I have several columns and we will want to sort by different columns and I would like to see if there is a way that the nested children will not change order under the parent no matter what sort is performed on the sheet? Is this possible?

thank you for your help!

Hillary

Sort by Parent Values Without Changing Order of Children Rows

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