The Default Alphabetical Order
By default, the Nautilus file manager in Ubuntu Linux sorts all files and folders alphabetically by their filename (A to Z). While this is the standard behavior across almost all operating systems, it is often not the most efficient way to work. If you frequently download patches, take numerous screenshots, or export daily reports into a single cluttered folder, you usually need to interact with the file you *just* created. Finding a newly downloaded file named `report-final-v2.pdf` among hundreds of other files organized strictly by alphabetical order requires tedious scrolling and searching.
How to Change the Default Sort Order to Modification Date
You can instruct the Nautilus file manager to prioritize chronological organization, forcing the newest files to always appear at the very top of your folders, regardless of what they are named.
1. Open the Files application (Nautilus) in Ubuntu.
2. Navigate to a folder you use frequently, such as your Downloads or Documents folder.
3. Look at the top-right corner of the file manager window. You will see a button that looks like three horizontal lines with varied lengths (the View Options menu). Click it.
4. In the drop-down menu, locate the section labelled Sort.
5. The default selection is likely “Name”. Click on Modified instead.
6. Look immediately to the right of the “Modified” option. You will see an arrow indicating the sort direction. Click the arrow to ensure it is pointing Down.
The files in your current folder will instantly reorganize. The file you created or downloaded most recently will sit at the very top of the list, while the oldest files will sink to the bottom.
How to Apply the Sort Order Globally
The method above changes the sorting for the specific folder you are currently viewing. If you want *every* folder on your Ubuntu system to default to “Modified – Descending,” you need to adjust the global preferences.
1. Still inside the Files application, click the “hamburger” menu (three stacked horizontal lines) located in the extreme top-right corner of the title bar.
2. Select Preferences.
3. In the Preferences window, go to the Views tab.
4. Look for the “Default View” section.
5. Change the “Arrange items:” dropdown to Modified.
6. Ensure the “Sort folders before files” checkbox is checked if you want your directories to remain grouped together at the top of the chronological list.