Sort Fields while Preserving Data Types

CGS123

Is there a way to sort fields based on name while preserving the fields' data type?

I'm creating a macro at the end of which certain fields are sorted into a specific order--note, the fields fed into the macro are dynamic.  The macro is set up such that fields are renamed with a number prefix for ordering and then sorted according to their name.  After sorting, the prefix is removed.

I have not been able to sort based on field names with the select tool unless I'm in the macro and sort them manually--i.e., go to the select tool, chose options > sort > sort on field name > ascending.  I've tried using a check-box to update the 'order changed' property within the select tool, but it doesn't seem this does anything.

Using the Crew macro 'Field Sort' is not an option, at least not without some modification, as running data through this converts all fields' data type to string.

Thanks in advance!

tlarsen7572

Some of us in the community have created a small group of custom, unofficial, Python tools.  One of these tools is a field sorter which can do what you want.  One of the options in the tool is to sort fields alphabetically.  The tool, by design, always retains the original data types:

If a custom tool is an option for you, you can download it from here.  Installation should be easy: just double-click on the installer and it will get installed into the Preparation tab.  Everything is open source; you can view the code and the other tools from our main Github page.