Sort Text Lines
Sort lines alphabetically, by length, numerically or at random, and remove duplicates while you are there.
How to use this tool
- Paste or type your text into the box above.
- The result updates as you change the input — there is nothing to submit and nothing to wait for.
- Read the figures in the result panel, or copy the converted text.
- Use Copy or Download if you need the output elsewhere. Nothing was uploaded at any point.
Sorting, de-duplicating, trimming and dropping blank lines are separate switches, so you can do one without the others. The counts afterwards show how many lines went in, how many came out, and therefore how many the de-duplication removed.
Sort Text Lines — the specification
| Orders | A to Z, Z to A, by length, numeric, reverse, shuffle |
|---|---|
| Options | Ignore case, de-duplicate, trim, drop blanks |
| Reports | Lines in, lines out, lines removed |
| Output | Downloadable text |
How it works
This tool runs entirely in your browser. There is no server involved, which means nothing you type or upload is transmitted, stored, or logged — and there are no usage limits, because there is nothing for us to ration.
You can confirm it yourself: open your browser's developer tools, select the Network tab, and use the tool. No request is made.
Who needs Sort Text Lines
Tidying a list of email addresses, de-duplicating an export, or putting a bibliography in order.
Sort Text Lines — frequently asked questions
Does numeric sorting handle text mixed with numbers?
It reads a number from the start of each line and sorts on that; lines that do not start with a number are treated as zero. For strictly numeric lists it does what you expect.
Does de-duplication keep the first or last occurrence?
The first. Later duplicates are dropped, so the original order of first appearances is preserved if you do not also sort.
Why did my line count change when I only sorted?
Trim and drop-blanks are on by default. Turn them off if you need every original line kept exactly as it was.
Does this work offline?
Yes. Once the page has loaded you can disconnect from the internet and it keeps working, because all the processing happens in your browser. That is also the simplest way to confirm nothing is being sent anywhere.
Is there a limit on how much I can paste in?
Nothing we impose. The practical limit is your device’s memory, since the work happens locally. Very large inputs get slower rather than being refused.
Can I use this on a phone?
Yes. The layout adapts to a small screen and everything works the same way.
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Background reading: Text and Developer Tools That Never Upload Your Data
Your file never leaves your device. Open your browser's Network tab while you use this page and you will see no upload — how that works.
Disclaimer. Published requirements change without notice. Confirm against the official source before you submit. Full disclaimer.