how do I format a pivot table column - permanently?

[Guest]

I have tried to format the column width in a pivot table, only to find that
when I change selection in any of the fields that the column reverts back to
the original width.

Is there any way to "lock" the formatting in a pivot table?

 

[Debra Dalgleish]

Set the pivot table to preserve formatting:
On the pivot toolbar, choose PivotTable>Table Options
Add a check mark to 'Preserve formatting', click OK
Remove the check mark from AutoFormat Table
Click OK

You may have to enable selection (From the Pivot toolbar, choose
PivotTable>Select, and click on Enable Selection)

Before formatting cells, use the selection feature to select the
cells. For example, move the pointer to the top of a column in the pivot
table (just above the column's heading cell). When the black arrow
appears (like the one that appears when the pointer is over a column
button), click to select the column in the pivot table. Then apply the
formatting.

If the above suggestions don't work, you could record a macro as you
refresh and reformat the pivot table. Then, run that when you want
to update.

 

[Andy Brown]

Is there any way to "lock" the formatting in a pivot table?

There's a way to "unlock" the standard formatting. Rightclick a cell of the
table, select "Wizard". Click "Options", *un*check "AutoFormat Table". Click
OK & Finish.

Rgds,
Andy