Sorting attribute table by hidden column in QGIS Print Composer

Question

In a QGIS 2.18.20 attribute table I have some values with random numbers, but at the print composer I want to show them with order (clockwise). So I made a new integer column, and added numbers with the way of sorting I want to appear at the print composer.

Now I can't find a way to hide the column I used for sorting the numbers. I need to use it to sort the columns, but when I delete it or do something similar the order disappears. Is there a way to keep the sorting the way I want, but to hide the sorting column? Can I do it with a different way? In the picture, "field 1" is the point number, field2&3 are the coordinates and ORDER is the sorting column

Answer 1

I suggest to use a Virtual layer through Layer > Add Layer > Add/Edit Virtual Layer.

If the SQL in virtual layers would give the same result than SQL that is fired directly against databases then the following should work

select a.field_1, a.field_2, a.field_3
from (
    select field_1, field_2, field_3, "ORDER"
    order by "ORDER"
    ) as a;

The result seems to work correctly in the print composer with QGIS 3.8.3. I wasted some time by trying to check the result by opening the attribute table of the new virtual layer in the map window with Open Attribute Table but it does not show the records like they are sorted with ORDER BY. Records are perhaps sorted also spatially. Fortunately in the print composer the order was logical and right.

My query from Create a Virtual Layer

Original table and sorted virtual table in Print Composer

Answer 2

You could do this in a different way by sorting the layer before using the composer. So:

1. Sort your layer with MMQGIS (plugin) by "ORDER" --> ascending.
2. Show this new table in composer and remove the field.

Here so screen shots: Here is the data:

Sort:

Check the differences:

Plot the sorted table without that field:

Answer 3

I don't have 2.18 installed anymore, but I remember doing this for a project last year:

• in the map composer, go to the table's item properties
• in the main properties tab, click on Attributes

From there you can manipulate your columns (change field order or even hide a field from output) and choose how to sort field values (ascending or descending).

edit: Both actions (sorting from field and hiding field) can't be used concurrently. If field is hidden, it cannot be chosen as a sorting rule.