When formatting a direct mail extraction file, how is sorting criteria applied?

In the context of formatting a direct mail extraction file, applying sorting criteria from top to bottom means that the data is organized in a sequence where the first record appears at the top of the document and subsequent records follow below. This is a standard format for displaying data because it is intuitive and allows for easy access to the most important information at the beginning of the file.

Sorting in this way helps ensure that the extraction file is structured logically, making it easier to identify and process recipients. For example, if you are sorting by last name, you would see all records starting with 'A' at the top, progressing through to 'Z' at the bottom, facilitating a straightforward lookup process for any individual record.

This method of sorting emphasizes clarity and organization, which is particularly important in direct mail campaigns where targeted outreach requires precise data handling. Other sorting methods, such as random or bottom-to-top, would not provide that same level of clarity and usability, making top-to-bottom sorting the most effective choice for creating an extraction file.