A control panel for an automatic machine adapted to prepare hot beverages according to a plurality of formulations comprises: a main input element for receiving inputs from a user a display element for displaying the inputs to the user through a plurality of input identifiers a control unit in data communication with the main input element and the display element. The main input element comprises a sense element adapted to detect a motion thereon of a touch of the user the main input element and the display element are in data communication through said control unit so that said motion determines a scrolling through the plurality of input identifiers on the display element, thereby selecting at least one formulation of said plurality of formulations or at least one operation parameter of a plurality of operation parameters of the automatic machine. The control panel has a particular although not exclusive use for automatic machines for preparing hot beverages, in particular automatic coffee machines for domestic use.
