# sortBy The sort descriptors used to order the results. ``` final var sortBy: [SortDescriptor] { get set } ``` ## Discussion Setting this property updates the underlying [`fetchDescriptor`](/documentation/SwiftData/ResultsObserver/fetchDescriptor)‘s sort descriptors and immediately refetches on the calling actor. When sectioning is active, the section’s sort descriptor is automatically re-prepended if not already the first descriptor. A `SortDescriptor` by `persistentModelID` is appended automatically if not already present to ensure stable ordering for difference computation. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)