Feature Request: Ability to set Default Custom Filters and apply them via URL/Deluge

Feature Request: Ability to set Default Custom Filters and apply them via URL/Deluge

I've discovered a significant gap in how Zoho Creator handles Custom Filters for reports, and I'm hoping the Zoho team can address this in a future update. This limitation has been raised before and continues to be requested, but remains unresolved.

The Issue
According to the official documentation, Custom Filters allow developers to create predefined filter combinations that users can select from a dropdown menu. This is a powerful feature for simplifying complex filtering scenarios for end users.
However, there is no way to set a default Custom Filter that automatically applies when a report loads, nor can Custom Filters be applied via URL parameters or Deluge scripts.
Example Use Case
Consider a simple Clients Report with Custom Filters for "Active Clients" and "Inactive Clients".
Desired behavior:
  • Report loads with "Active Clients" filter pre-applied by default
  • Users can remove the filter to see all clients
  • Users can switch to "Inactive Clients" filter when needed
Current reality: The report always loads unfiltered, showing ALL clients. Users must manually select the "Active Clients" filter every single time they access the report—there's no way to set it as the default.
The Problem
Zoho Creator provides excellent support for field-based filtering via functionality-based URLs—including operators like EQUALS, CONTAINS, BETWEEN, date ranges, and more. However, Custom Filters exist in complete isolation from all programmatic control.
Capability Field-Based URL Filtering Custom Filters
User can manually apply ✓ Yes ✓ Yes
Apply via URL parameter ✓ Yes
?FieldName=value
✗ No
Use operators (CONTAINS, BETWEEN, etc.) ✓ Yes
&FieldName_op=26
✗ N/A
Set as default on report load ✓ Yes (Report Criteria) ✗ No
Apply via openUrl in Deluge ✓ Yes ✗ No
Pre-select on embedded reports ✓ Yes ✗ No
"Hard" vs. "Soft" Filtering — The UX Problem
This limitation creates a fundamental UX trade-off that developers shouldn't have to make:
Approach Behavior User Experience
Report Criteria
(Hard Filter)
Permanently applied. Cannot be removed or changed by the user. Users are locked in. They cannot explore beyond the predefined criteria.
Custom Filter
(Soft Filter)
User-selectable. Can be applied, changed, or removed at will. Users start with a focused view but can remove it to see the bigger picture.
The problem: We are forced to use "Hard Filters" (Report Criteria) when the use case actually requires "Soft Filters" (a sensible default that users can adjust). This hurts the end-user's ability to explore data.
The "AND Logic Trap" with Pages:
Report Criteria is global—it persists everywhere: direct browser access, mobile app, embedded in Pages, and exports. When embedding a report in a Page, any criteria added via the Page Builder uses AND logic with the existing Report Criteria:
Report Criteria: Status == "Active"
Page Embed Criteria: City == "New York"
Result: Status == "Active" AND City == "New York"
You cannot "subtract" or override Report Criteria. If your "Clients Report" has hard-coded criteria showing only "Active" clients, you cannot embed that same report on an "Archived Clients" page. This forces you to clone the report entirely.
Custom Filters are designed to solve this—allowing a single report to adapt to different contexts. But without the ability to set a default Custom Filter via URL or Page embed, this flexibility is completely inaccessible.
The Current Workarounds (All Suboptimal)
To achieve "default filter" behavior, developers are forced into one of these suboptimal approaches:
Workaround 1: Report Cloning ("Report Bloat")
Many users simply duplicate the "Clients Report," rename it "Active Clients Report," and set hard-coded criteria. This leads to:
  • Application bloat with multiple near-identical reports
  • Violates the DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) principle
  • Maintenance nightmare—changes must be applied to every clone
  • Confusing for users who see multiple similar reports in navigation
Workaround 2: URL Parameter Construction
Abandon Custom Filters entirely and replicate the filter logic using URL parameters:
// Instead of simply setting "Active Clients" as the default Custom Filter,
// developers must construct URL parameters manually:

base_url = "https://creatorapp.zoho.com/myaccount/crm-app/#Report:Clients_Report";

// Replicate the Custom Filter logic with field-based parameters
filter_params = "?Status=Active&Status_op=18"; // 18 = EQUALS operator

openUrl(base_url + filter_params, "same window");
Additional friction: Finding the correct Operator ID (e.g., 18 for EQUALS, 26 for CONTAINS, 58 for BETWEEN) requires digging through documentation. Custom Filters abstract this complexity away—losing them forces developers to deal with these obscure codes.
Problems with both approaches:
  • Complex filter logic must be duplicated—once in the Custom Filter definition (for manual use) and again in Deluge scripts (for automation)
  • No single source of truth for filter criteria
  • Maintenance nightmare when filter logic changes—updates required in multiple places
  • Users see raw URL parameters instead of friendly Custom Filter names
  • Custom Filters with complex multi-field criteria become extremely verbose URL strings
What Should Happen Instead
Proposed Solution 1: Default Custom Filter Setting
Add a simple option in Report Properties to designate one Custom Filter as the default:
Report Properties → Custom Filters → [Filter Name] → ☑ Set as Default
When enabled, this filter would automatically apply when the report loads, while still allowing users to switch to other Custom Filters or clear it entirely.
Proposed Solution 2: URL Parameter Support
Allow Custom Filters to be specified via URL parameter, consistent with existing functionality-based URL patterns:
https://creatorapp.zoho.com/myaccount/crm-app/#Report:Clients_Report?zc_CustomFilter=Active_Clients
This would enable developers to programmatically direct users to reports with the appropriate Custom Filter pre-applied, using a single clean parameter instead of replicating complex field-based criteria.
Proposed Solution 3: Deluge Integration
Support Custom Filter names in openUrl calls:
// Clean, maintainable approach
openUrl("#Report:Clients_Report?zc_CustomFilter=Active_Clients", "same window");

// Instead of duplicating all the filter logic
openUrl("#Report:Clients_Report?Status=Active&Status_op=18", "same window");
Real-World Impact
This limitation affects any workflow requiring:
  • Default filtered views — A Clients report should show "Active Clients" by default, not all clients
  • Dashboard navigation — Clicking a KPI tile should open a report with the relevant Custom Filter applied
  • Email links to filtered reports — "Click here to see overdue invoices" should pre-apply the appropriate filter
  • Embedded reports in Pages — Different page contexts should show different default filter states without cloning reports
  • Mobile experience — On mobile apps, filters are hidden behind menus. Users often miss them entirely. A default Custom Filter ensures users see relevant data immediately without navigating through menus on a small screen
  • User onboarding — New users should see a sensible default view, not unfiltered data overwhelming them

Developer Impact: Custom Filters are excellent for end-user experience but nearly useless for automation and programmatic control. This gap forces developers to maintain duplicate filter logic—once in Custom Filters for manual use, and again as URL parameters for automation.

Request to Zoho Team

Can this be addressed in a future update?

The current implementation forces developers to choose between:

1. User-Friendly Custom Filters
Easy for users to understand and apply manually, but no programmatic control or default state
2. URL Parameter Filtering
Full programmatic control via ?FieldName=value&FieldName_op=constant, but complex to maintain and requires duplicating filter logic

We shouldn't have to choose—Custom Filters should support both user interaction AND programmatic control.

Community Input Requested: Has anyone else encountered this limitation or found a workaround? I'd love to hear how others are handling scenarios where a default Custom Filter is needed.


    • Recent Topics

    • Ensure Consistent Service Delivery with Comprehensive Job Sheets

      We are elated to announce that one of the most requested features is now live: Job Sheets. They are customizable, reusable forms that serve as a checklist for the services that technicians need to carry out and as a tool for data collection. While on
    • Any update on adding New Customer Payment Providers who support in store terminal devices?

      Currently there is only one Customer payment provider listed for terminal devices in USA- Everyware. They charge a monthly fee of almost $149 minimum. Will you add other providers - like Zoho Payments or Stripe or Worldpay that would allow integrated
    • Getting Subform Fields to Display Top to Bottom

      I have a form where the fields are all in one column. I want to insert a subform where the fields are stacked in one column as well. I have built both the form and subform but the subform displays the fields from left to right instead of a stacked column. This will cause a problem displaying the subform correctly on mobile apps. How can I do this please?' Here is my form with subform now. As you can see the subform "Follow Up Activity" is displaying the fields left to right. I need them to go top
    • How do i move multiple tickets to a different department?

      Hello, i have several tickets that have been assigned to the wrong department.  I am talking about hundreds of automatically generated ones that come from a separate system. How can i select them all at once to move them to another department in one go? I can select them in "unsassigned open tickets view" but i can't find a "move to another department" option. I also can't seem to assign multiple tickets to the same agent in that same view. Could somebody advice?
    • Zoho CRM Layouts

      I have customised all our modules, Leads, Contacts and deals, and within them, I have created lots of different layouts depending on the type of Lead or contact, for example. Since the new Zoho UI came out, they have all disappeared. I have gone into
    • How to Convert NSF to PST Format Effortlessly? - SYSessential

      It is highly recommended to obtain the error-free solution of the SYSessential NSF to PST converter to convert NSF files from Lotus Notes. Using this professional software, it becomes easier to convert all NSF database items, including emails, journals,
    • Can't connect to POP and SMTP over VPN

      I use Thunderbird to access Zoho Mail via POP and SMTP. I have configured an app-specific password for Thunderbird to use. Everything is properly configured and works correctly — until I enable my VPN. I'm using a paid commercial VPN service (Mullvad).
    • my zoho mail is hacked

      my email is sending my username and password to people i dont know
    • Suministrar accesos

      Asunto: Enable UPLOAD_RULE for API Attachments Mensaje: Hola, Necesito habilitar la capacidad de subir attachments vía API en Zoho Mail. Actualmente recibo el error: "UPLOAD_RULE_NOT_CONFIGURED" al usar el endpoint: POST /api/accounts/{accountId}/messages/attachments
    • how to change the page signers see after signing a document in zoho sign

      Hello, How can I please change the page a signer sees after signing a document in Zoho Sign? I cannot seem to find it. As it is now, it shows a default landing page "return to Zoho Sign Home". Thanks!
    • Introducing real-time document commenting and collaboration in Zoho Sign

      Hi, there! We are delighted to introduce Document commenting, a feature that helps you communicate with your recipients more efficiently for a streamlined document signing process. Some key benefits include: Collaborate with your recipients easily without
    • Polish signer experience to compete with docusign

      I would like to suggest that someone spend the little bit of time to polish the signer experience, and the email templates to more of a modern professional feel. They are currently very early 2000s and with some simple changes could vastly improve the
    • Ticket Loop from Auto Responce

      We’re seeing an issue where a client’s help desk triggers a ticket loop. When they email us, our system creates a ticket and sends the acknowledgement. Their system then creates a ticket from that acknowledgement and sends one back to us, which creates
    • validation rules doesn't work in Blueprint when it is validated using function?

      I have tried to create a validation rule in the deal module. it works if I try to create a deal manually or if I try to update the empty field inside a deal. but when I try to update the field via the blueprint mandatory field, it seems the validation
    • How to make rule to filter out some emails from receiving the notification "Receiving a new ticket"?

      Good Morning, We are currently using the "Receiving a new ticket" notification rule to provide that auto reply template to a customer that emails us for support. However, there are some emails we don't want to receive this auto-reply. Where can I set
    • Zoho Signatures Missing

      In the past after collecting signatures from two different PDFs I would merge them by calling an api and the signatures would appear in the combined PDF. Recently the signatures have disappeared whenever I combine the PDFs together. Why did this randomly
    • Stop the Workarounds: We Need Native Multi-Step Forms

      After over 17 years of community requests, I'm hoping the Zoho team can finally address the lack of native multi-page form support in Zoho Creator. This has been one of the longest-standing feature requests in the community, with threads spanning nearly
    • Metadata API Access to Functions

      I think it would be incredibly helpful to have api access to every function's code. Our team primarily uses deluge functions to update fields across modules according to business logic. I would like to create a visual dependancy model for our CRM, but
    • Filter button in the Zoho Sheet Android App doesn't toggle on

      I am a new Zoho Sheets user and experiencing a specific issue with the filter functionality in the Android mobile application. Detailed Issue Description: The filter icon appears correctly in the toolbar. Upon tapping the filter icon/button, the toggle
    • Automate pushing Zoho CRM backups into Zoho WorkDrive

      Through our Zoho One subscription we have both Zoho CRM and Zoho WorkDrive. We have regular backups setup in Zoho CRM. Once the backup is created, we are notified. Since we want to keep these backups for more than 7 days, we manually download them. They
    • Exciting Updates to the Kiosk Studio Feature in Zoho CRM!

      Hello Everyone, We are here again with a series of new enhancements to Kiosk Studio, designed to elevate your experience and bring even greater efficiency to your business processes. These updates build upon our ongoing commitment to making Kiosk a powerful
    • Reply to Email for SO/PO

      Hello, We are new to Zoho Books and running into an issue. Our support@ email is our integration user. When our team is sending out PO/SO's we are updating the sender email, but for some reason many of our responses are coming back to our support@ email
    • New activity options for workflows

      Greetings, We are excited to announce the addition of two new dynamic actions to our workflow functionality: Create Event and Schedule Call. These actions have been thoughtfully designed to enhance your workflow processes and bring more efficiency to
    • Remove the “One Migration Per User” Limitation in Zoho WorkDrive

      Hi Zoho WorkDrive Team, Hope you are doing well. We would like to raise a critical feature request regarding the Google Drive → Zoho WorkDrive migration process. Current Limitation: Zoho WorkDrive currently enforces a hard limitation: A Zoho WorkDrive
    • Enrich your contact and company details automatically using the Data Enrichment topping

      Greetings, I hope you're all doing well. We're happy to announce the latest topping we've added to Bigin: The Data Enrichment topping, powered by WebAmigo. This topping helps you automatically enhance your contact and company records in Bigin. By leveraging
    • Important Update: Google Ads & YouTube Ads API Migration

      To maintain platform performance and align with Google's newest requirements, we are updating the Google Ads and YouTube Ads integrations by migrating from API v19 to the newer v22, before the official deprecation of v19 on February 11, 2026. Reference:
    • Enhancements for Currencies in Zoho CRM: Automatic exchange rate updates, options to update record exchange rates, and more

      The multi-currency feature helps you track currencies region-wise. This can apply to Sales, CTC, or any other currency-related data. You can record amounts in a customer’s local currency, while the CRM automatically converts them to your home currency
    • Kaizen #228 - Process Large-Scale Migrated Data Using Catalyst Solutions

      Howdy, tech wizards! This week’s Kaizen explores how Catalyst Solutions in the Zoho CRM Developer Hub help import large volumes of data into Zoho CRM while improving data quality and simplifying the migration process. Why Catalyst Solutions? Catalyst
    • Zoho Expense Import Reports Won't Work Because Default Accounts Already Exist

      Im trying to import reports from another Zoho expense account to mine and im getting errors that won't allow the import to happen The account name that you've entered 'Ground Transportation' already exists. Enter another name for the account and try again.z
    • Inactive License for free account.

      I recently upgraded my Cliq subscription not my team (on the free version), are unable to login to their accounts. The error message received is Inactive License Looks like you have not been covered under the current free plan of users. Please contact
    • 2026 Product Roadmap and Upcoming Features

      This is your guide to what is coming in Zoho Vertical Studio throughout 2026. We’ll update this post throughout the year as items move from development to release, and as and when new initiatives are added. Once a feature is released, it will be reflected
    • Please, make writer into a content creation tool

      I'm tired of relying on Google Docs. I'm actually considering moving to ClickUp, but if Writer were a good content creation tool instead of just a word processor, I would finally be able to move all my development within the Zoho ecosystem, rather than
    • Syncing zoho books into zoho crm

      I was wondering how I can use zoho books in crm as I have been using them separately and would like to sync the two. Is this possible and if so, how? Thanks
    • Release Notes | January 2026

      We have rolled out a set of powerful new enhancements across Zoho Vertical Studio that bring several long-awaited capabilities to your applications. These updates focus on deeper customization, smarter automation, better reporting, and improved usability
    • Live Chat for user

      Hi everyone, I’m new to Zoho Creator and wanted to ask if it’s possible to add a live chat option for all logged-in portal users so they can chat internally. I’m trying to create a customer portal similar to a service desk, but for vehicle breakdowns,
    • Power up your Kiosk Studio with Real-Time Data Capture, Client Scripts & More!

      Hello Everyone, We’re thrilled to announce a powerful set of enhancements to Kiosk Studio in Zoho CRM. These new updates give you more flexibility, faster record handling, and real-time data capture, making your Kiosk flows smarter and more efficient
    • Announcing new features in Trident for Mac (1.34.0)

      Hello everyone! We’re excited to introduce the latest updates to Trident, which are designed to take workplace communication to the next level. Let’s take a quick look at what’s new. Connect with customers using Zoho Voice integration. You can now easily
    • Massive Zoho Books failure

      We have not received any communication or notification from Zoho, but we have detected that Zoho Books is not working for all our users. We cannot access or use Zoho Books. This is critical. We are trying to contact Zoho on the Spain telephone number,
    • The Social Wall: January 2026

      Hello everyone, We’re back with the first edition of The Social Wall of 2026. There’s a lot planned for the year ahead, and we’re starting with a few useful features and improvements released in January to help you get started. Create a GBP in Social
    • How to block whole domain?

      I am getting at least 50-75sometimes over 100 spams emails a day. I see a lot of the spam is coming from .eu domains. I would like to block /reject all email coming for the .eu domain. I do not have any need for email from .EU domains. Why won't the BlackList
    • Next Page