Abstract: Icons for graphic visualization of task-oriented steps in industrial control processes as well as a corresponding icon representation of process steps of parts program in machine tools and production machines are described. The icons are composed of at least one graphic symbol and at least one placeholder, wherein a size of the placeholder is representative of the duration of a task-oriented process step. The individual steps of parts programs of the machine can be visualized by arranging the icons in form of rows and columns and each icon graphically visualizes an individual task-oriented step of a parts program. Each row (column) is associated with a particular parts program and a column (row) width of an icon in said row (column) represents a duration of the task-oriented process step for said parts program. In this way, the structure of part programs and the associated process steps can be readily graphically visualized.