Working with columns and sorting

Last updated on 2024-01-11 | Edit this page

Estimated time: 10 minutes

Overview

Questions

  • How do I move, rename or remove columns in OpenRefine?
  • How do I sort data in OpenRefine?

Objectives

  • Explain how to reorder, rename and remove columns
  • Explain how to sort data in columns

Reordering columns

You can reorder the columns by clicking the drop-down menu at the top of the first column (labelled ‘All’), and choosing ‘Edit columns’ > ‘Re-order / remove columns …’.

You can then drag and drop column names to reorder the columns, or remove columns completely if they are not required.

Renaming columns

You can rename a column by opening the drop-down menu at the top of the column that you would like to rename, and choosing ‘Edit column’ > ‘Rename this column’. You will then be prompted to enter the new column name.

Sorting data

You can sort data in OpenRefine by clicking on the drop-down menu for the column you want to sort on, and choosing Sort.

Once applied, locate the new “Sort” button at the top of the grid.

Note the addition of a menu called Sort which appears after your first sort command. It follows the number of rows displayed.
New Sort menu appears above grid after first sort command

Unlike in Excel, ‘Sorts’ in OpenRefine are temporary - that is, if you remove the Sort, the data will go back to its original ‘unordered’ state. The ‘Sort’ drop-down menu lets you amend the existing sort (e.g., reverse the sort order), remove existing sorts, and/or make sorts permanent. To make a sort permanent, choose Reorder Rows Permanently from the Sort drop-down menu.

You can sort on multiple columns at the same time by adding another sorted column (in the same way).

Do not rush these last two sentences. Repeat them slowly after a pause and allow learners to explore how sorting works for a moment.

Although the “Undo/Redo” tab is not introduced until episode 9, it may be worth noting that applying a sort does not count as a change to the data because removing the sort will restore the data to its original order. However, once you select “Reorder Rows Permanently” this does count as a data change and adds an entry to the Undo/Redo history.

Key Points

  • You can reorder, rename and remove columns in OpenRefine
  • Sorting in OpenRefine always sorts all rows
  • The original order of rows in OpenRefine is maintained during a sort until you use the option to Reorder Rows Permanently from the Sort drop-down menu