DRM-Free Comics
Panels Store is built on a DRM-free philosophy. Here's what that means for you and your readers.
What DRM-Free Means
Digital Rights Management (DRM) refers to technological restrictions placed on digital content to control how it can be accessed, copied, or used after purchase—things like requiring logins, limiting devices, or forcing internet connections to read files.
DRM-free means none of those restrictions exist. When someone buys your comic, they receive a standard file (PDF, CBZ, EPUB) that they can:
- Download and keep indefinitely
- Transfer between devices freely
- Open with any compatible reader app
- Back up however they prefer
- Read offline without platform checks
Why This Benefits Your Sales
Readers Trust DRM-Free
When buyers know they truly own what they purchase, they're more confident buying from you. There's no fear of losing access if a platform changes terms or shuts down. This trust translates to more purchases and stronger reader loyalty.
Reduced Friction, More Sales
DRM creates friction. Readers who've been burned by locked content on other platforms may hesitate to buy digital comics. By offering DRM-free files, you remove that hesitation entirely.
Word-of-Mouth Works Better
Happy readers recommend comics to friends. When those friends can easily purchase, download, and read on their preferred device without jumping through hoops, they're more likely to follow through on recommendations.
DRM-free distribution is a selling point. Consider mentioning it when promoting your comics—many readers actively seek out DRM-free content.
What DRM-Free Doesn't Mean
DRM-free does not mean your comics are free or unprotected by copyright. You retain full legal ownership of your work. DRM-free simply refers to how the content is delivered—without restrictive technological enforcement.
Readers who pirate will pirate regardless of DRM. What DRM actually does is punish paying customers with restrictions. Going DRM-free respects the people who support your work.
Our Philosophy
Panels Store exists to empower creators and readers by removing barriers that don't serve either party. We believe digital ownership should feel like physical ownership—once you buy it, it's yours.
By publishing on Panels Store, you're offering your readers:
- Comics in open formats that belong to them
- Freedom to choose their reading tools
- Long-term access regardless of what happens to any platform
This approach builds the kind of reader-creator relationship that sustains careers.