… If anyone has a solution that can achieve this.  I'm all ears …

Actually there is a way - but you will not like it (assuming that you have hundreds of expressions):

Create a new, empty document (= Document Without Libraries).

Add the expressions to this empty document, one expression at a time.

You can e. g. do so by copying {a measure containing (only) that expression} into the document.

As you add the expressions to the document, they will appear in the document’s Expression Selection, in the order you added them.

Save a library of the expressions.

In the library the expressions will appear in the order you added them.

You can load this library into other documents, e. g. into the template(s) you use when creating new documents.

Thank you Peter.  And, no I do not like the solution.  What a waste of time.  As I have said since version 1 of Finale, the expressions should be constructed as a small database that has sorting abilities that is independent of the document it is used on.  This is computer 101.  The fact that Finale still doesn't try to fix this issue is simply MakeMusic not caring about the workflow and how a composer uses the most important tool that all music requires to be understood by a performing musician. The ineffective sorting of the expression tool in Finale makes Finale a program I am willing to abandon.   

Randy,

TG Tools plugin "Text Expression Sorter" might do what you are wanting... but it is a paid plugin included in the full TG Tools plugin package:

It sorts my text expressions instantly... plus has a few extra options on the above tab and also the "more" tab.

Dynamics are also sorted softest to loudest, then multi-symbol dynamics, i.e. fp, sfp, etc. 

Give it a try...

Doug,  I will try this out.  If it does what you say it does, maybe my 'expression tool that sorts' prayer has been answered.

Does the file of expressions live outside of a document or do you have to go through this on every document you work on?

Thanks,

Randy

Randy,

The plugin sorts the expressions in the currently active document.  A quick Keyboard Maestro macro (Mac OS only) could open, apply, save, close every file on your computer while you had a cup of coffee.  I'm not sure of a Windows equivalent to KM, but I've read blogs referring to them so I know they are out there.

I've not ever tried this... but you could create a doc, add the expressions you wanted, run the plugin, then save the expressions as a library - then import the library into any/all docs. (I'm not sure if the import retains the sort though...) Again - something that could be automated for multiple files.

Finally - you could update all of your template docs, and also the Finale default files, so when you create a new document with the setup wizard, all of your expressions would be available. And if they aren't - delete all and load your most current sorted expression library with a macro app.

Here is a link to the TG Tools page:   https://www.tgtools.com/downdocs.htm

In my opinion, these plugins are well worth the investment.

Randy,

I just tried exporting and importing a text expression library and the import process appears to maintain the sorting for all categories. I'm on a Mac, and tested Finale 26.3.

Let us know how it goes for you...

Doug,

I will get the TG Tools Program - I had used it many years ago when I was an exclusive PC user.  I have since become multi platform user.  I am encouraged that it saved the sorting on Finale 26.3.  I have just updated to the newest version.  I'll get back to you with my findings.   Thank you for the extra effort in doing MakeMusic's job.   Best,  Randy