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how to make contact list to be last name first, but display to be first name first.

  • 2 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 35 views
  • Last reply by bb3902

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I like my contact list to be alphabetized by last name, but when entering a contact in the To: box in a new email message, it comes up just like it shows in the contact list. Can I make what shows up in the To: box first name first?

I like my contact list to be alphabetized by last name, but when entering a contact in the To: box in a new email message, it comes up just like it shows in the contact list. Can I make what shows up in the To: box first name first?

Chosen solution

You need to edit the Contact details so that the 'Display' name is as you would like it to be. For example in Address Book. 'View > Show name as > 'Last,First' Edit contact:

  • First: Anthony
  • Last: Smith
  • Display: Tony
  • select checkbox 'Always prefer display name over message header'
  • click on OK

In Address book you will see listed alphabetcally by surname. You will also see the same in the 'Write' window 'Contacts Sidebar' But when adding in the 'TO' field you would see 'Tony <email address>'


If you want all incoming and outgoing to use your prefered display name then also set up in Options.

  • Menu app icon > Options > Options > Display > 'Advanced' tab

Display

  • Select check box 'Show only display name for people in my address book'
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All Replies (2)

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Chosen Solution

You need to edit the Contact details so that the 'Display' name is as you would like it to be. For example in Address Book. 'View > Show name as > 'Last,First' Edit contact:

  • First: Anthony
  • Last: Smith
  • Display: Tony
  • select checkbox 'Always prefer display name over message header'
  • click on OK

In Address book you will see listed alphabetcally by surname. You will also see the same in the 'Write' window 'Contacts Sidebar' But when adding in the 'TO' field you would see 'Tony <email address>'


If you want all incoming and outgoing to use your prefered display name then also set up in Options.

  • Menu app icon > Options > Options > Display > 'Advanced' tab

Display

  • Select check box 'Show only display name for people in my address book'
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Thanks. I missed seeing the View menu at the top of the Address Book.