---
title: Sorting documents
description: "eBrief Ready lets you control document sorting at two levels: across the entire matter and inside each folder. These settings work together, for instance, you can keep the matter sorted by date while a specific folder is sorted by document…"
url: "https://ebriefready.legalready.ai/knowledge/how-to-sort-documents/"
updated: "2026-11-03"
category: Document Organisation
---

# Sorting documents

eBrief Ready lets you control document sorting at two levels: across the entire matter and inside each folder. These settings work together, for instance, you can keep the matter sorted by date while a specific folder is sorted by document name.

## Sorting options

- **Manual / User-defined**(default) — you control the order by dragging and dropping documents using the handlebars (three lines icon)
- **Field: Date** — documents are ordered automatically by date
- **Field: Document name** — documents are ordered automatically by name

## Sorting at the matter level

Matter level sorting sets the default order for documents across the entire matter.

1. Open the matter and click **Setup**
2. Select **Settings** from the left panel
3. Under **Document sorting**, select your preferred option from the **Default sort by attribute** dropdown

**Note**: **For Field: Date** or **Field: Document name**, tick **Sort** in reverse order if you want to reverse the direction.

1. Click **Save Changes**

![](https://ebriefready.legalready.ai/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-09-at-18.17.42-1-1024x576.png)

## Sorting within individual folders

Individual folders can have their own sort order, overriding the matter level setting.

1. In the **Setup** tab, click **Folders** in the left panel
2. Click the **pencil icon** to the right of the folder - the **Edit Folder** window appears
3. Under **Document sorting**, select your preferred option from the **Sort** all documents automatically by dropdown
4. Click **Update**

![](https://ebriefready.legalready.ai/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-09-at-18.15.42-1024x576.png)

**Note**: You can also edit a folder's settings without going to the Setup tab. In the Document tab, click the folder in the left panel and then click the Cog to access the Edit Folder window.

## When to Use Each Sorting Option

**Manual / User-defined**
Use this option when you want to control the exact order of documents within a folder or matter.

**Field: Date**
Best used when reviewing documents chronologically, such as correspondence, filings, or document production.

**Field: Document name**
Helpful when documents follow a structured naming convention, such as numbered exhibits or standardised document titles.

For further information or assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated Support Team via [support@legalready.ai](mailto:support@legalready.ai) or +61 3 9020 4456.