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Downloads

Offering downloadable files gives readers more flexibility in how they enjoy your comics. Here's how downloads work on Panels Store and what you need to know as a creator.

How Downloads Work​

Multiple Format Support​

When you publish a comic, you can upload multiple file formats (CBZ, CBR, CB7, PDF, EPUB). Readers can then download whichever format works best for them.

Benefits for readers:

  • Choose their preferred reading app
  • Read offline in any comic reader
  • Keep local backups
  • Use on devices without the Panels app

Benefits for you:

  • Reach readers on all platforms
  • Accommodate different reading preferences
  • Provide more value to purchasers

Where Readers Download​

From the web:

  • After purchasing, readers see download buttons on the comic's page
  • Each format you've uploaded appears as a separate download option
  • Files download directly to their device

From the Panels app:

  • Download button within the app
  • Choose format if multiple are available
  • Downloaded comics stored in the app for offline reading

File Formats Explained​

CBZ (Comic Book ZIP)​

What it is: A ZIP archive containing images (JPG or PNG) of each page

Best for:

  • Most comic readers support this format
  • Widely compatible
  • Easy to create

Readers can use: ComicRack, CDisplayEx, YACReader, and many others

CBR (Comic Book RAR)​

What it is: A RAR archive containing page images

Best for:

  • Some readers prefer RAR compression
  • Slightly better compression than ZIP
  • Common format for comics

Readers can use: Most comic readers that support CBZ also support CBR

CB7 (Comic Book 7z)​

What it is: A 7-Zip archive containing page images

Best for:

  • Best compression of the archive formats
  • Smaller file sizes
  • Less common but well-supported

Readers can use: Modern comic readers with 7z support

PDF​

What it is: Portable Document Format

Best for:

  • Universal compatibility—works on any device
  • Preserves formatting exactly
  • Good for print-style layouts

Readers can use: Any PDF reader (built into most devices)

Downsides: Larger file sizes, less optimized for comic readers

EPUB​

What it is: E-book format

Best for:

  • Reflowable content (if you've designed for it)
  • E-readers like Kindle, Kobo
  • Accessibility features

Note: Most comics are better suited to CBZ/PDF, but EPUB works for some styles

Best Practices for Creators​

Offer Multiple Formats​

Provide at least two formats to maximize compatibility:

Recommended minimum:

  • CBZ (most widely supported for comics)
  • PDF (universal compatibility)

Optional additions:

  • CBR (for readers who prefer RAR)
  • EPUB (if your comic works well in reflowable format)

File Size Considerations​

Be mindful of download sizes:

Reasonable sizes:

  • Standard issue (20-40 pages): 20-80 MB
  • Graphic novel (100+ pages): 100-300 MB
  • Premium/high-res: Up to 500 MB

If files are very large:

  • Consider slightly reducing image quality (90% JPG quality is usually fine)
  • Balance file size with image quality
  • Remember readers may have limited bandwidth or storage

File Naming​

Name your files clearly:

  • YourComic-Issue01.cbz
  • YourSeries-Vol01-Complete.pdf
  • Avoid special characters or spaces

Clear names help readers organize their downloads.

What Readers Can Do With Downloads​

Read Offline​

Downloaded files work without internet connection:

  • Perfect for travel, commutes, or areas with poor connectivity
  • No streaming delays or buffering
  • Permanent local access

Use Their Preferred App​

Readers aren't locked into the Panels ecosystem:

  • Use ComicRack on Windows
  • Use YACReader on Mac
  • Use any mobile comic reader
  • Use Adobe Reader for PDFs

Backup and Archive​

Downloads let readers:

  • Keep local backups of purchased comics
  • Archive their collection
  • Transfer between devices manually
  • Maintain access even if they lose internet

Share (Within Limits)​

Important: While readers can technically share downloaded files, your terms of service prohibit redistribution. Purchased comics are for personal use only.

DRM and Protection​

Panels Store does not apply DRM (Digital Rights Management) to downloaded files.

What this means:

  • No encryption or copy protection
  • Files work in any compatible reader
  • Readers truly "own" their download
  • Files can potentially be shared (though this violates terms of service)

Why no DRM:

  • Better user experience
  • No compatibility issues
  • Respects buyer ownership
  • DRM is often ineffective and frustrating

Trade-off: Some piracy risk, but happier legitimate customers

In-App Downloads vs. File Downloads​

In the Panels App​

Downloading in the app:

  • Optimized for the Panels reading experience
  • Progress syncs across devices
  • Integrated library management
  • Can choose format if multiple available

How it works:

  • Tap download button in the app
  • Comic stored within the Panels app
  • Accessible in "Panels Store" library
  • Read offline with full app features

Direct File Downloads​

Downloading from web:

  • Standard file download
  • Saved to device's download folder
  • Open in any compatible app
  • Manual organization

For Readers Without Apple Devices​

Downloads are especially important for non-iOS/Mac users:

Android users:

  • No native Panels app available
  • Can download files and use Android comic readers
  • Full access to purchased content

Windows/Linux users:

  • Download and use desktop comic readers
  • PDF readers work universally
  • Same content, different reading experience

Common Reader Questions​

"Which format should I download?"

  • For comic readers: CBZ is most compatible
  • For universal access: PDF works everywhere
  • For file size: CB7 offers best compression
  • For e-readers: EPUB (if available)

"Can I download multiple times?"

Yes! Readers can download as many times as they want. If they lose a file, they can download it again from their library.

"Can I download on multiple devices?"

Yes! There's no limit on how many devices can download the same purchased comic.

"Do downloads expire?"

No. Purchased comics remain in the reader's library forever, available for download anytime.

Technical Specifications​

Image Requirements in Archives​

For CBZ/CBR/CB7 files you upload:

  • Images should be JPG or PNG
  • Sequential naming (001.jpg, 002.jpg, etc.)
  • Consistent dimensions within a comic
  • 1200-2000px on longest side recommended

PDF Specifications​

For PDFs:

  • Individual page images embedded
  • 300 DPI recommended for quality
  • Reasonable file size through compression
  • Page order correct and locked

Monitoring Download Usage​

While you can't see individual download activity (privacy), you can:

  • See total sales numbers
  • Understand which comics are popular
  • Get general usage statistics (if platform provides)

Individual buyer information remains private.

Supporting Readers Who Download​

In Your Comic Description​

Consider mentioning download options:

  • "Available in CBZ, PDF, and EPUB formats"
  • "Download and read in your favorite comic reader"
  • "DRM-free for your convenience"

Technical Support​

If readers have download issues:

  • Verify they've completed purchase
  • Check that they're logged in
  • Direct technical issues to publish@panels.store
  • Format-specific questions: suggest compatible readers