How Do You Transform the Middle Pivot Table in Excel?

To transform the appearance and layout of a PivotTable in Excel, you can use PivotTable Styles and modify its design and format.

Here's how to transform the appearance of a PivotTable:

1. Select the PivotTable: Click anywhere within the PivotTable you want to modify.

2. Access the Design Tab: This will automatically activate the "PivotTable Analyze" (or "Options" in older versions) and "Design" tabs on the Excel ribbon.

3. Choose a PivotTable Style: On the "Design" tab, in the "PivotTable Styles" group, you'll see a gallery of pre-defined styles. Click the "More" button (downward-pointing arrow with a horizontal line) to expand the full gallery.

4. Select a Style: Hover over the styles to preview them on your PivotTable. Click on the style you want to apply.

Here's how to transform the structure and layout of a PivotTable:

1. Select the PivotTable: Click anywhere within the PivotTable.

2. Access the Design Tab: Navigate to the "Design" tab as mentioned earlier.

3. Explore Layout Options: On the "Design" tab, you'll find various groups that control the layout:

   • Layout Group: This group contains options to control how fields, columns, rows, and totals are displayed.

     • Subtotals: Choose where and how subtotals are displayed (e.g., at the top or bottom of groups, or not at all).
     • Grand Totals: Toggle grand totals on or off for rows and columns.
     • Report Layout: This is crucial for changing the overall structure. You can choose from:
       • Compact Form: Items from different row fields are displayed in one column.
       • Outline Form: Each row field has its own column, with items indented. This generally improves readability.
       • Tabular Form: Similar to Outline Form, but each field item is repeated on each row. This is useful for exporting data.
       • Repeat All Item Labels: Repeats the labels for each item in a row field. Helpful for filtering or sorting later on.
       • Do Not Repeat Item Labels: Only shows the label for the first item in the row field.
     • Blank Rows: You can insert blank rows after each item for increased readability.

   • PivotTable Style Options: This section allows you to:

     • Row Headers: Toggle bolding for row headers.
     • Column Headers: Toggle bolding for column headers.
     • Banded Rows: Alternate row shading for readability.
     • Banded Columns: Alternate column shading for readability.

4. Field List: The "PivotTable Fields" pane (accessible via the "PivotTable Analyze" tab > "Show" group > "Field List") allows you to drag and drop fields between the "Filters," "Columns," "Rows," and "Values" areas to completely restructure the data display. This is fundamental to transforming the data perspective within the PivotTable.

5. Format Cells: You can format the numerical data by selecting the relevant cells, right-clicking, and choosing "Format Cells." This allows you to specify number formats, currency symbols, decimal places, etc.

By utilizing PivotTable Styles and adjusting the layout options, you can effectively transform the appearance and structure of your PivotTable to better analyze and present your data.