Abstract: The invention relates to a controller for a hydraulic press, comprising a pressing cylinder (1), a reservoir (2), a valve group (3), a pressure medium reservoir (7) and a hydraulic pump (6), connected together by means of a cylinder line (4), a reservoir line (5) and a tank line (8). According to the invention, a pressure converter (9) is arranged on the valve group (3), which may operate as a pressure amplifier or pressure reducer. The particular mode of action of said controller is achieved whereby the valve group (3) comprises a pre-press valve (11), a low-pressure chamber outlet valve (12), a low-pressure chamber inlet valve (13), a main press valve (14), a closing valve (15), a pressure release valve (16) and a 3-way valve (17), which may be operated by a particular control sequence. Said invention is applicable in hydraulic presses and of particular advantage in presses for the forming of ceramic pieces such as tiles.