Numbering & Sorting
We've had many requests for the ability to number and/or sort list items. Something that we're definitely planning.
-
I created a Javascript plugin which automatically sorts all Workflowy bullets alphabetically + numerically. Bullets are sorted on all pages, and sorting can be applied via HotKey. If anyone has any feature requests or bugs, please submit an Issue on Github. Enjoy! https://github.com/rsynnest/workflowy-sort
-
Hi Daniel,
My workflowy-sort script will sorts legal numbering perfectly well. Currently it does not allow any manual re-ordering of bullets because it forces alphabetical and numeric ordering of all bullets everywhere.
You can find setup instructions and caveats on the Github page (linked at the top of this comment)
-Roland
-
Roland,
I installed it and enabled it but then nothing seems to happened but then I realized that it was happening almost instantly as I turned them on. I didn't even see them switch places at all. So check to see if it is actually organized alphabetically, then you'll know if it's working.
-
Here are couple on-demand sorting utilities for WorkFlowy.
Sorting Bullets in WorkFlowy, Easy as 1-2-3 -
I use WF all the time and love it. We started using it at work but it didn't meet our needs there because of the lack of ability to have multiple "fields" per entry (think columns). Having the nested items worked great but we wanted something where you could add "columns" or "fields" to the items/rows. An example use case would be a task list. Each task would be an item in the list and the extra columns/fields would be for due date, assigned date, user who added the task, and user assigned to the task. Then we'd want capability to sort the list by any of those columns/fields.
Regarding the numbering everyone is requesting, with the system I describe above, you could add a field/column for the numbers.
-
Hi James,
I think you may be looking for boards:
https://blog.workflowy.com/2020/06/10/fractal-boards-a-new-way-to-organize/
-
Thanks for the suggestion.
While boards could achieve part of what we wanted in being able to view who was working on what and move it around and such, we really wanted something more like a table structure or database where where each item (row) has multiple fields (columns) so we could track due dates, task creation dates, who created the task and who was assigned to it. Every task would need this additional data and when you try to add all that as text and tags on each item in the boards, it gets crowded and clunky very fast and doesn't flow very well visually.
What we really need is a live spreadsheet software that's nest-able and zoom-able like Workflowy.
We tried Smartsheets but it's not live and had a number of other issues so we ended up simplifying our task list and just put it in a Google Sheet. Unfortunately the big thing we miss with that is that it doesn't have the beautiful nesting structure you get with Workflowy. You can nest rows but the nesting gets completely scrambled when you filter and sort which makes it pretty much useless for our purposes.
-
If you want something like that, https://notion.so is a really powerful tool to check out. It has a lot more complex object types like tables that could do exactly what you describe, and everything is click+dragable, and undo-able. It's really a great tool but more complex than workflowy.
-
The biggest hurdle is that very few people ask for it... and the next biggest issue is that most users do not want feature bloat. The third issue is that we have an endless list of features both big and small... and we need to prioritize. The good thing is that we are constantly coming out with new features.
-
Thanks for the feedback Frank. I'd like to (respectfully) disagree with your comment that so few people ask for it. Look at the original comment from Workflowy Support that kick-started this thread, "We've had many requests for the ability to number and/or sort list items. Something that we're definitely planning." I've asked for this feature (using various communication mechanisms) over the years on more than one occasion.
I think this just highlights the need for stronger promotion of a single 'go-to' tool (such as this) for feature requests. I feel the current approach is a bit fragmented. I also think that if people could actually see a roadmap, and see the impact their feedback has on that roadmap, it would make people more engaged in the process and feel their voice is being heard even more than it already is.
-
Few is relative, Andy. I'm not trying to debate you. For instance, requests for color number in the thousands. We have people requesting everywhere, mostly at the help desk and other places. The forum here is fairly dead when it comes to activity and requests (in general).
We have more requests than we are able to build right now, this very instant. I would prefer to be transparent than promise you we'll build this in some indeterminate time.
I'd like to invite you to join the WorkFlowy Users Group on Slack... you'll get a better feel there for features being discussed... and may also drum up support for numbering and sorting:
https://join.slack.com/t/workflowyusergroup/shared_invite/zt-pamjzoi9-K1cyDV4jlfLGNCpDqbGX2A
People are very engaged there and feel like their voices are being heard. The Zendesk forum is sadly lacking in that sense... it's a fairly sanitized environment.
-
I completely sympathise with 'feature request overload'!
P.S. :
-
Ha, yes I agree. I don't frequent this forum as a rule. I did have an email notification on this thread though, so I responded because Erik above resurrected the conversation and I got notified. You're doing a great job on the 'feature request management' aspect of support (something I have done myself in other roles).
-
Hi Aaron,
You can join the Slack Group here: https://join.slack.com/t/workflowyusergroup/shared_invite/zt-ql82li8g-pjqhZXoTIjBoVkG5dH3UwA
BUT... you can send feature requests here in the forum, at the helpdesk (help@workflowy.com) or in the Slack Group. It's up to you :-)
-
Another year without the most basic request that anyone could want in a list app: numbering.
We have colors, dates, columns, etc but WF insists that it’s customers don’t want numbering.
I’m pretty sure you’ve deleted a few my requests. You should really take down the 4-year comment that you’ll be working on it soon since that’s preventing people from commenting/requesting.
It’s essentially a lie.
When I asked, I was told it was in the works and then when I demanded a day and time I was told “well, it’s not REALLY in the works…”
-
Not sure I said “day and time” but definitely asked for date or a view of the road map when, after five years of waiting, they responded with “relatively soon” and “don’t lose hope”— about a year and a half ago.
I even started a FB page called “Why Won’t Workflowy Listen to Its Customers”, been a little busy to do much with it, but yea I definitely pressed them for a date for some accountability.
-
Hi Timothy,
We have a totally different team to several years ago. Since I've been onboard, I don't believe I've ever promised that we'd be working on this. I've been with WorkFlowy for 2 years... and keep in mind that I took over the profile of a previous employee... so anything over 2 years ago is not me... even though my name and image/ icon may appear.
Might I join the Facebook group, Timothy? I might be able to get a few people to join and help out there.
In return, I can invite you to the Slack community. We're waiting with open arms...
https://join.slack.com/t/workflowyusergroup/shared_invite/zt-s867uw4j-hxIqSvU7n6e7gXKwpjVWbw
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
37 comments