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Pivot tables · Layout
Report layout: compact, outline, tabular
Controls whether nested row fields stack in one column (compact) or spread across columns (outline, tabular).
When to use it
Compact form stacks nested row fields in one column with indentation; Outline and Tabular spread each field into its own column. Tabular with repeated labels turns pivot output into a flat table.
The shape of it
- How
Design tab, Report Layout, pick the form. Tabular with Repeat All Item Labels makes the output usable as a flat table.
Worked examples
Tabular
Design, Report Layout, Show in Tabular Form → Each row field in its own column with subtotals below
Readable and copyable.
Outline
Design, Report Layout, Show in Outline Form → Own columns, subtotals above
A middle ground.
Flat table
Tabular, then Repeat All Item Labels → Every row fully labeled, ready for VLOOKUP or a pivot on the pivot
Flat data.
Worth knowing
- Compact is the default and saves space; Tabular is better for anything you will reference.
- Set the default layout under File, Options, Data, Edit Default Layout.
- Blank rows between groups are under Design, Blank Rows.
Where it goes wrong
- Compact form column headers say "Row Labels", which confuses readers.
- Copying compact form loses the field structure.
Related
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