Sort a list into groups with Nelly
On a list with at least four items outside a group, tap ⋯ → Smart Groups. Pick how to split the list, check Nelly's preview, untick any group you don't want, and tap Apply.
Smart Groups hands the sorting to Nelly. She works out sensible ways to split your list, you pick one, and she shows you the groups before anything changes. Open the list and tap ⋯ → Smart Groups.
Sort a list with Nelly
- Open the list and tap ⋯, then Smart Groups (under Tools). You can also get there from ⋯ → Organize groups → Let Nelly sort….
- If the list could be split more than one way, Nelly offers the options, like Genre, Decade or Director for films. Tap one and she groups the list straight away.
- Check the preview. Each group shows its name, how many items it holds and the items themselves. Tap a group's name to untick it if you don't want it.
- Tap Apply. A banner confirms how many items were organized into how many groups, with Undo if it's not what you wanted.
When there's only one obvious way to split a list, like aisles for a shopping list, Nelly skips the question and goes straight to the preview.
Choose your own split
Don't like her options? Tap Something else…, type how you'd like the list grouped ("by state", "by decade", "by cost"), and tap Group. If your idea doesn't fit the items, Nelly says so and takes you back to her suggestions.
Changed your mind after seeing the preview? Tap Change at the top to go back to the options.
Good to know
- Only loose items are sorted. Items already in a group stay where they are. Nelly reuses your existing groups where they fit, so running Smart Groups again after adding items files the new ones alongside the old.
- Some items may stay put. Items that don't fit any group naturally are listed under Stays ungrouped and remain outside the groups.
- It needs a few items. Smart Groups appears once a list has at least four items that aren't in a group.
- Check the facts. Nelly is usually right about the shape of a grouping, but a film can land in the wrong decade. Move a stray item to the right group afterward, see Sort a list into groups.
What it costs
Seeing the options is free. Each time Nelly actually groups the list, that uses one from your Nelly allowance, so picking a different option after a preview uses another. The sheet shows how many you have left today. If Nelly can't find a meaningful way to group the items, you'll see No natural groups found and nothing is used. See How your Nelly allowance works.
FAQ
Can I undo Smart Groups?
Yes. Tap Undo on the banner right after applying. You can also rename or remove any of the groups later, just like groups you made yourself.
Why don't I see Smart Groups in the menu?
The list needs at least four items outside a group. Add a few more, or move some out of their groups.
Can I ask Nelly to make a grouped list from the start?
Yes. When you create a list with Nelly, say "grouped by…" in your request. See Create a list with Nelly.