Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, and 2013. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: Changing Paragraph Order.
Most writing is an iterative adventure. When writing a document of any length, you will find that you write it once, making changes as you go, and then you will probably rewrite it over and over again until you get it just the way you want.
If you find that there are several consecutive paragraphs in your document that you want to reorder, you can apply this tip:
Figure 1. The Sort Text dialog box.
Note that you can also use the outline view of a document to reorder your paragraphs, but sometimes this can be a bit too much trouble. The foregoing steps are quick and easy for most people.
There is one gotcha you need to watch for: When you add the numbers to the beginning of your paragraphs, you'll want to be sure that Word doesn't try to change them into a numbered list. If it converts one of your paragraphs into a numbered-list item, then simply press Ctrl+Z immediately after it does so. Word then undoes its conversion and leaves the number you typed.
Also, if you have more than 9 paragraphs you want to sort, make sure you include a leading 0 with your numbers (01, 02, 03, etc.). This will ensure that Word sorts the paragraphs properly.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (9002) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, and 2013. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Changing Paragraph Order.
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2017-01-19 10:01:42
It is less complex & daunting to simply hold down the Alt+Shift key combination and use the Up/Down arrows to move paragraphs to where you wish them to be.
If you have auto-paragraph numbering activated, the numbers will always remain in sequence as paragraphs are moved up/down using this technique. This obviates the necessity to carefully applying numbers...
This method also works to swiftly move Rows up/down within Tables.
2016-02-07 15:20:18
Jimmy Dean
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2015-03-16 08:55:29
Mary Bohnsack
It can also be used to rearrange rows in a table and bullet point items. Just highlight the line you wish to move and let alt-ctrl-arrow do its magic.
2015-03-14 21:15:45
Andrew
Sorry about my previous comment, Sachin B is correct. It should be alt-shift-up and down/
2015-03-14 12:52:29
Sachin B
Position the insertion point in the paragraph you want to move.
While holding down the Shift and Alt keys, press the Up Arrow or Down Arrow to move the paragraph.
2015-03-14 06:37:24
Andrew
I use alt-ctrl-up arrow and alt-ctrl-down arrow to quickly rearrange paragraphs. It is useful for rearranging lists as well.
Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.
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Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, and 2013. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: 
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