A device for automatically controlling the edges of a web of sheeting has a first deflecting roller and a second deflecting roller, which are arranged parallel to each other, and also a drive for shifting the deflecting rollers in opposite axial directions. A sensor detects the position of the sheeting. The drive shifts the deflecting rollers in opposite axial directions and the ratio between the friction of the sheeting on the first deflecting roller and the friction of the sheeting on the second deflecting roller is changed on the basis of the position of the sheeting detected by the sensor.