Disclosed is a control unit for an automatic device for preparing a beverage. The control unit is provided with a display panel and an input means which enables a user by means of designations of image elements shown on the display panel to choose from a plurality of formulations a formulation for the beverage to be prepared. The control unit is provided furthermore with an operating unit for displaying by means of the display panel a visually observable reaction to designations provided by the user, and for controlling a preparation unit of the automatic device, with an operating condition in which the display panel has selection fields for mutually exclusive settings for formulations of the beverage to be prepared. The control unit enables the user through designation of one of the selection fields to select one of the settings. A collecting field with at least one setting field shows the chosen setting of the formulation and the non-designated selection fields remain visible and selectable. The control unit enables the user to confirm a choice made, by making a dragging movement from the designated selection field to the collecting field.
