Disclosed is a control unit (2) for an automatic device for preparing a beverage. The control unit (2) is provided with a display panel (3) and an input means which enables a user by means of designations of image elements shown on the display panel (3) to choose from a plurality of formulations a formulation for the beverage to be prepared. The control unit (2) is provided furthermore with an operating unit for displaying by means of the display panel (3) 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 (3) has selection fields for mutually exclusive settings for formulations of the beverage to be prepared. The control unit (2) enables the user by designation of one of the selection fields to select one of the settings wherein a collecting field with at least one setting field shows the chosen setting of the formulation. The non-designated selection fields remain visible and selectable, and the display panel (3) shows an elongate collecting field with mutually juxtaposed setting fields for the formulation of the beverage to be prepared, and transversely to the collecting field an associated series of selection fields for these settings. Designating a selection field has as a result that the respective setting of the setting field associated with the designated selection field is replaced with the alternative setting belonging to the selection field and the image shown in that selection field is displayed in the respective setting field.
