order names in a filter alphabetically

i have a filter based on a custom field. on front end i have displayed that filter in a fieldset above products. i have lots of names in that one filter dropdown. is there any way i can make them display alphabetically?

thanks

There is no option for that. Enter the names in alphabetical order in the custom field and they will be displayed in that same order.

i have too many names in there. its really difficult to do that. if you don't mind can you please tell me if that is achievable by changing a select query in classes/filter.php file

if yes please help me by telling how?

I would really appreciate your help.

Thanks

Not a query but you can try to add the line:
sort($field->field_value);
after the line:
$field->field_value=explode("\n", $field->field_value);

in that file.

that was great Nicolas. worked as I wanted. thanks a lot for such a quick response.

can we do something similar to the "Manufacturer" filter as well?

and also manufacturers in "add a new product" at back end? i have a long list of Manufacturers and its really difficult finding the right one if they are not in alphabetic order.

thanks once again

Manufacturers are ordered by their ordering number. Just make sure that they are in the order you want via the manufacturer listing.