Most people think of ComicFlow as an iPhone and iPad app, and that is where it is built to live. It also runs on Apple Silicon Macs and on Apple Vision Pro, as an iPad app. That gives you a much bigger canvas for comics without a second purchase or a separate app.
Here is what that means in practice and how to set it up.
What "As an iPad App" Means #
ComicFlow is not a native Mac app and it is not built specifically for Vision Pro. Apple lets compatible iPad apps run on Apple Silicon Macs and on Vision Pro, and ComicFlow takes that route. It is the same app you use on an iPad, running in a window.
That is worth being clear about. You get the same reader, the same library, the same converter. You do not get Mac-only features, because there are none.
Reading on a Mac #
If you have a Mac with Apple Silicon, find ComicFlow in the Mac App Store's iPhone and iPad Apps section, or open it from your purchases. It opens in its own window.
What you get:
- The reader for CBR, CBZ, RAR, ZIP and PDF files, without converting first
- Paged and vertical scroll reading, single and double page layouts, and right-to-left manga support
- The library with collections, ratings, tags and bookmarks
- Conversion to PDF or CBZ
- Night mode and custom brightness
- Everything offline
A desktop display suits comics with double-page spreads, since a big window shows both pages at a comfortable size. If you read manga, turn on right-to-left in the reader settings. Our manga reading guide covers it.
Reading on Apple Vision Pro #
On Vision Pro, ComicFlow shows up as a compatible iPad app. You open it, pick a comic and read in a window you can place and size in your space. Since the app is an iPad app running on visionOS, treat it as an iPad on a very large virtual screen.
It is a good fit for long sessions with spreads and art-heavy books, and the same reader modes are there. The same library and settings apply, so nothing needs to be set up twice.
Getting Comics Into ComicFlow on a Mac #
A few routes work well when your comics already live on the computer:
The Files route. Comics in iCloud Drive or another folder Files can reach can be imported into ComicFlow like on an iPad.
Watched folders. In Settings, under Sources, point ComicFlow at a folder in Files. iCloud Drive, a network share or a USB drive all work, and new comics import themselves with covers and page counts. The folder is rescanned when the app opens and on pull-to-refresh in the Library.
Wi-Fi Upload for your other devices. If you want the same comics on an iPhone or iPad, open Wi-Fi Upload on that device, then use the address it shows in a browser on your Mac. Uploads can be up to 4.29 GB each.
For the whole list of options, see how to transfer comics to iPhone and iPad.
Keeping Your Devices Matched #
ComicFlow has optional iCloud sync that keeps your reading place, bookmarks and ratings matched across your devices, and it can be turned off. Your comic files stay on each device, so each one needs its own copy. Our post on keeping your place across iPhone and iPad explains what syncs.
Should You Use a Mac or Vision Pro for Comics? #
If you read at a desk, a Mac window works well, and you already have the hardware. If you own a Vision Pro, it is a nice way to read spreads on a very large virtual page. For most day-to-day reading, an iPhone or an iPad is still the most comfortable, and ComicFlow is built for those first. See reading comics on iPad.
Learn more on the ComicFlow page. It is a one-time purchase on the App Store, with no subscription and no ads.
Related Articles #
- How to Read Comics on iPad. Layouts and tips for the bigger screen
- How to Read CBR and CBZ Files on iPhone and iPad. Formats and how to open them
- Comic Book File Formats Explained. CBR vs CBZ vs PDF
- 5 Best Comic Reader Apps for iPhone and iPad. Compare readers
