Control unit for controlling a printing machine

An operating unit for controlling a printing machine, especially a sheet-fed offset printing machine, has several operating elements for the input of commands for the printing machine consisting of several part-units. The operating elements are located on a common carrier and to each operating element is assigned a fixed command content. A maximum number of the operating elements (16-20) are designed on the carrier and a cover (21,22) of the operating elements is mounted in non-detachable fashion on or at the carrier (12). A specified number of the operating elements, determined by the part-units of the printing machine to be controlled, remains uncovered by the cover.