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

Make sure that Enable selection is turned on (From the Pivot toolbar,
choose PivotTableSelect -- the Enable Selection button should be
highlighted )

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.


Natalie wrote:
I am trying to change the size and colour of a pivot table, but it keeps
telling me I need to press the 'Enable selection' button on the submenu.
However, I do this, and it still changes when I refresh the pivot table.

Does anyone have any idea why it does this?


--
Debra Dalgleish
Excel FAQ, Tips & Book List
http://www.contextures.com/tiptech.html