Overview of Panels comic reader
Panels is a DRM-free comic reader that allows users to manage their own comic libraries without locking files to the app. It is free to download, with a 'Panels Premium' tier available to unlock advanced features.
Panels Documentation
website·Indexed 33 days ago
https://guides.panels.appGuides for the Panels comic reader app, covering library management, content import from Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, and OPDS server integration with Calibre, Kavita, and Komga. Includes details on supported formats (cbz, cbr, cb7, pdf, ePUB), reader configurations, and Panels Premium features such as Incognito mode, image filters, and family sharing.
What's inside Panels
Use an OPDS server to manage large comic collections in Panels
Connecting to OPDS (Open Publication Distribution System) servers is a Panels Premium feature. Using a self-hosted server allows you to browse your entire collection as a library without downloading it first, stream comics directly from the server, or selectively download individual titles for offline reading. This is an alternative to using iCloud Drive for users with large collections who want to save device storage.Understand how Panels libraries and collections work
A Panels library is a standard folder containing other folders and files. It is not a proprietary format and can be managed directly via the Files app. Any folder located inside a library is automatically treated as a 'collection' within the Panels app. The default library is located at 'On my iPhone/iPad → Panels'.Use Continue reading to navigate between comic titles
The 'Continue reading' feature allows users to transition from one comic issue to the next without returning to the library. When the last page of a comic is reached, continuing to scroll will trigger Panels to jump to the next title. This feature operates exclusively within a folder; Panels will move to the next title located in the same folder as the current one. Consequently, organizing a series within its own folder is required for this sequence to work correctly.Use Incognito mode to hide comics from the Reading now screen
Incognito mode is a Panels Premium feature that allows users to hide specific reading sessions. While Panels continues to store and sync reading information (such as time spent reading) for all comics, enabling Incognito mode marks these sessions as hidden, preventing those specific comics from appearing on the "Reading now" screen.Import comics to Panels via AirDrop
Comic files can be AirDropped from a Mac or another iOS device to an iPhone or iPad. On iOS 17 and later, AirDropped files are placed directly into the Files app. Once received, files must be moved into the Panels library using the Files app or the Panels importer.Find free and legal comics for Panels
The following sources provide free, Creative Commons, or public domain comics that can be legally downloaded and imported into the Panels app:
- Pepper&Carrot (open-source webcomic)
- Comic Book Plus (public domain)
- Digital Comic Museum (pre-1959 public domain)
- NASA (Moonikin Comic and First Woman series)
- Overwatch Media (official lore comics)
Apply image filters and transformations in Panels
Panels Premium provides tools to tweak images for a better reading experience. These tools are categorized into Filters (visual tweaks), Transformations (geometric changes), and Shaders (size-aware filters). You can apply multiple filters simultaneously. To access these settings, tap the "..." menu and select "Image filters".Purchase DRM-free comics via Panels Store
The Panels Store (panels.store) is a DRM-free digital comics marketplace integrated with the Panels app. Purchases made through the store sync directly to the Panels app, providing instant access to content that the user owns permanently.Report a problem to Panels support
When reporting a problem to Panels, include the following details to help resolve the issue faster:
- Device model, iOS version, and Panels app version.
- A description of the expected behavior versus the actual behavior.
- A reproduction file (e.g., the specific comic file) if the issue is content-specific.
- App diagnostics/crash logs if the application crashed.
Purchase or manage Panels Premium
To purchase a premium plan, open Settings in the Panels app and tap the My Purchases section. Premium plans are also suggested when attempting to use a locked premium feature.
All payments are processed via the Apple App Store. To manage or cancel a Panels+ subscription, use the standard Apple subscription management settings.
Use an OPDS server as a streaming library
When an OPDS server is added, it appears as a library. This allows you to browse and stream content directly from the server without using device storage. Tapping a title opens and streams it. Note that 'Continue reading' functionality is currently unavailable for OPDS streaming as it awaits the adoption of OPDS 2.0.