Sometimes it may be easier for you to grade a timeline if the shots are in a different order than the final sequence. You can rearrange the order of the shots so common shots are grouped together, graded, and then returned to their original order. The timeline sort mode allows you to do this. You can modify the order of the shots in your assembled EDL and then apply grading to those shots. Once you have finished grading the sorted shots, you can output the shots to a VTR (via the write telecine tape feature), save the shots as a new cut, or return the shots to their original order. You can sort the shots either by the record timecode or by the reel name and source timecode.

By default, all the shots are sorted into a single layer when you use the timeline sort mode (whether you are sorting a single-layered timeline or a multi-layered timeline). You can also choose to sort only the selected shots within the timeline. If you are working with a multi-layered timeline, be aware of layers that are muted or if a layer is soloed. If a layer is soloed, then only the shots in that layer can be sorted. If any layers are muted, the shots within those layers cannot be sorted. As well, the same shot can appear in numerous layers. These shots are sorted from the bottom to top layer.

When the timeline is sorted, only the source media is shown, therefore, you cannot modify or collapse the timeline and dissolves and retimes are not visible. The Edit and Dissolve menus are greyed out and all the options within the Timeline menu and the Colourist Timeline menu are also greyed out. You also cannot add or delete shots while the shots are sorted.