The invention relates to a controller for a machine with a number of functional units, wherein the controller comprises at least one input and output device for setting or displaying the movement sequences and/or state variables of the functional units of the machine and operator control elements for selecting specific input and display functions. The input and display functions are arranged in groups on various levels, all the functional units of the process are depicted by means of associated operator control elements on a first, upper input and display level. All the input and display functions associated with a functional unit are respectively depicted on in each case one or more further levels, which can respectively be activated directly by actuation of the corresponding operator control element of the first level.