the invention refers to a method of controlling a coating device , which discharges a coating medium such as a powder or wet lacquer to a workpiece , in which in accordance with the shape of the workpiece the shape of the cloud of the coating medium discharged is automatically adjusted by changing at least one of the velocity , and the quantity , and the mass flow of the coating medium discharged or shaping air . the invention further refers to a coating installation capable of operating by this method .