Cross-Platform Sync
Panels Store integrates seamlessly with the Panels Comic Reader app, allowing readers to access their purchases across web and mobile devices. Understanding how this works helps you better support your readers.
How Sync Works
The Basics
When a reader purchases a comic on Panels Store:
- The comic is immediately available in their web library
- If they use the Panels app with the same email, the comic automatically appears there
- They can read on any platform where they're logged in
Email as the Key
The sync system works through email matching:
- Panels Store account: Created with an email address
- Panels app account: Logged in with an email address
- Match required: Both must use the same email for purchases to sync
If readers ask why their comics aren't showing in the app, first verify they're using the same email address for both Panels Store and the Panels app.
The Panels Store Library
Automatic Library Creation
When a reader makes their first Panels Store purchase and logs into the Panels app:
- A new library called "Panels Store" automatically appears in their app
- This library is separate from their other comics (locally added files, other sources)
- All Panels Store purchases show up in this dedicated library
Why a Separate Library?
The Panels Store library keeps purchases organized:
- Clear distinction: Readers know which comics they bought from Panels Store
- Easy access: All purchases in one place
- Sync clarity: Only Panels Store purchases appear here, avoiding confusion with other sources
What Syncs Between Platforms
Comics and Purchases ✅
Syncs: Which comics a reader owns
- Purchase a comic on web → Instantly appears in the app
- Works across all devices where they're logged in
- Permanent access from any device
Reading Progress (App Only) ⚠️
Syncs within app: Progress is tracked and synced across devices in the Panels app
- Start on iPhone → Continue on iPad → Finish on Mac
- Bookmarks, current page, and progress all sync
- Seamless experience across Apple devices
Does not sync to web: Progress made in the app doesn't transfer to the web reader
- Web reader and app maintain separate progress states
- Reading on web doesn't update app progress
- Reading in app doesn't update web position
Web progress tracking and cross-platform progress sync are planned for future updates. For now, readers who want synced progress should use the Panels app exclusively.
Platform Comparison
| Feature | Web Reader | Panels App |
|---|---|---|
| Access purchases | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Read online | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (streaming) |
| Offline reading | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (with download) |
| Progress tracking | ❌ Not saved | ✅ Saved & synced |
| Cross-device progress | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (within app) |
| Bookmarks | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Multiple formats | Limited | ✅ All provided formats |
| Annotations | ❌ No | Varies by version |
For iOS, iPad, and Mac Users
Readers with Apple devices get the full experience:
Recommended workflow:
- Browse and purchase on Panels Store (web or app)
- Download the Panels app from the App Store
- Log in with the same email used for purchases
- Find all purchases in the "Panels Store" library
- Download comics for offline reading or stream them
- Enjoy synced progress across all their Apple devices
Why app is better:
- Progress syncs between iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- Offline reading for travel or areas without internet
- Better reading interface optimized for each device
- Bookmarks and collections
For Readers Without Apple Devices
Readers on Windows, Android, or Linux can still use Panels Store:
Web reader access:
- Full access to purchased comics via web browser
- Can read on any device with internet
- No progress tracking, but comics are always accessible
Download option:
- If you provide multiple formats, readers can download files
- Read in their preferred comic reader app
- Manual progress tracking
The Panels app is currently only available for iOS, iPad OS, and macOS. Android and other platforms may be supported in the future.
Troubleshooting Sync Issues
Comics Not Appearing in App
Common causes:
- Different email addresses: Panels Store and app use different emails
- Not logged in: Reader hasn't logged into the Panels app
- Wrong library: Looking in personal library instead of "Panels Store" library
- Sync delay: Wait a few minutes and restart the app
Solutions:
- Verify email addresses match
- Log out and back into the app
- Check specifically in the "Panels Store" library
- Force close and reopen the app
Purchase Shows on Web But Not App
- Confirm email address matches on both platforms
- Log out of the Panels app completely
- Log back in with the Panels Store email
- Check for the "Panels Store" library
- If still missing, contact support with purchase details
Multiple Devices, One Account
Readers can use their Panels Store account on multiple devices:
Unlimited devices: No limit on how many devices can access purchases Simultaneous reading: Can be logged in on multiple devices at once All purchases available: Every device with the Panels app shows all purchases
This makes it easy for readers who own multiple devices (iPhone + iPad + Mac, for example).
Download vs. Stream
In the Panels app, readers choose how to access comics:
Streaming:
- Tap comic to read immediately
- No download required
- Requires internet connection
- No device storage used
Downloading:
- Download button in the app
- Read offline anytime
- Uses device storage
- Faster page loading
Both options sync across devices—a comic downloaded on iPad can also be streamed on iPhone, or vice versa.
Supporting Your Readers
Common Reader Questions
"I bought a comic but don't see it in the app"
- Check email address match
- Look in "Panels Store" library specifically
- Try logging out and back in
"Can I read on my Android phone?"
- Web reader works on any device with a browser
- Native Android app not currently available
- Can download files if multiple formats provided
"Does my progress sync between web and app?"
- Not yet—progress is separate
- App-to-app progress syncs (iPhone ↔ iPad ↔ Mac)
- Recommend using app exclusively for progress tracking
In Your Communications
When promoting your comics:
- Mention they're "available on web and in the Panels app"
- Note that progress syncs across devices (in the app)
- Include the App Store link for the Panels app
- Highlight the offline reading capability
Future Enhancements
The Panels Store team is working on:
- Web reader progress tracking
- Cross-platform progress sync (web ↔ app)
- Additional platform support
- Enhanced library features
These features will improve the experience for both creators and readers.
Related Topics
- Buyer Experience - What readers see after purchasing
- Downloads - Download options and formats
- Sharing Your Store - Promoting your comics