Column management

How to reorder columns in Smartsheet.

Reordering columns keeps related fields together and puts the most important data where you can see it — without changing any cell values or sheet structure.

How to reorder columns in Smartsheet

  1. Click the header of the column you want to move to select the whole column.
  2. Click and hold the column header, then drag it left or right. An indicator shows where the column will land.
  3. Release the mouse button to drop the column into its new position.
  4. Repeat for each column you want to move — Smartsheet moves one column at a time.
  5. Note: the primary column is locked in the first position and cannot be moved.

Reorder columns without the drag-and-drop grind.

Grid Tools for Smartsheet can sort your columns alphabetically in one action or move a specific column exactly where you want it — no pixel-perfect dragging across a wide sheet.

See column tools

Frequently asked questions

Will reordering columns break my formulas or cross-sheet references?

No. Smartsheet formulas reference columns by name, not by position, so reordering columns does not break formulas or cross-sheet references.

Can I move the primary column?

No. Smartsheet locks the primary column in the first position. All other columns can be reordered around it.

Can I sort columns alphabetically?

Not natively — Smartsheet only supports dragging columns one at a time. Grid Tools adds an alphabetical column sort that organizes every column in a single action, leaving the primary column in place.

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Grid Tools adds the missing bulk operations, column tools, and shortcuts to Smartsheet.