VS Code: Sort Lines and JSON object properties

# Sort lines (Ascending and Descending) in VS Code

To sort lines ascending or descending in VS Code:

1. Select the lines.
2. Press:

• Ctrl + Shift + P on Windows and Linux
• Command + Shift + P on macOS

3. Type sort lines and select Sort Lines Ascending to sort the lines in ascending order (from A to Z) or Sort Lines Descending to sort the lines in descending order (from Z to A).

Here is a short clip that demonstrates how to sort in ascending order.

And here is a clip that shows how to sort the line in descending order.

# Setting a keyboard shortcut for the Sort lines actions

If you need to set a keyboard shortcut for the sort lines actions:

1. Press:

• Ctrl + Shift + P on Windows and Linux.
• Command + Shift + P on macOS.

2. Type Keyboard Shortcuts and select Preferences: Open Keyboard Shortcuts.

3. Search for sort lines and double-click on the Sort Lines Ascending and Sort Lines Descending options.

4. Press the keys you want to bind the actions to and press Enter.

# Using an Extension to sort lines in VS Code

There is also a very popular Sort lines extension that you can use if you need more sorting options.

You can install the extension by:

1. Clicking on Extensions in the left sidebar.

• You can also open the Extensions menu by pressing:
  • Ctrl + Shift + X on Windows or Linux.
  • Command + Shift + X on macOS.

2. Typing sort lines.

3. Clicking on the Install button.

Once you install the extension:

1. Select the lines.
2. Press:

• Ctrl + Shift + P on Windows and Linux.
• Command + Shift + P on macOS.

3. Type sort lines and select one of the many options.

# Sort JSON object properties in VS Code

To sort the properties of a JSON object:

1. Press:

• Ctrl + Shift + P on Windows and Linux.
• Command + Shift + P on macOS.

2. Type JSON sort and select JSON: Sort Document.

Here is a short clip that demonstrates the process.

# Setting a Keyboard shortcut for the JSON: Sort document action

If you need to set a keyboard shortcut for the JSON sort document action:

1. Press:

• Ctrl + Shift + P on Windows and Linux.
• Command + Shift + P on macOS.

2. Type Keyboard Shortcuts and select Preferences: Open Keyboard Shortcuts.

3. Search for JSON sort and double-click on the JSON: Sort Document option.

4. Press the keys you want to bind the actions to and press Enter.

# Sort JSON objects in VS Code using an extension

You can also use an extension to sort JSON objects.

1. Click on Extensions in the left sidebar.

• You can also open the Extensions menu by pressing:
  • Ctrl + Shift + X on Windows or Linux.
  • Command + Shift + X on macOS.

2. Type Sort JSON objects.

3. Click on the Install button.

Make sure to install the Sort JSON objects extension from richie5um2.

To use the extension:

1. Select a JSON object (the extension uses full lines, so ensure the selected lines are a valid JSON object).

2. Press Ctrl + Shift + P (or Command + Shift + P on macOS).

3. Type Sort JSON and run the command.

I've also written an article on how to remove unused imports and sort imports in VS Code.

# Additional Resources

You can learn more about the related topics by checking out the following tutorials:

• Switch focus between the Terminal and the Editor in VS Code
• How to Duplicate a Line or a Selection in VS Code
• How to remove Duplicate Lines in Visual Studio Code
• How to Show and Set Line endings in Visual Studio Code
• VS Code: Increase the number of Lines shown in the Terminal
• Move a line or a selection Up or Down in Visual Studio Code