
Hello all!!
Welcome back to a fresh Kaizen week.
This week, we will continue with another Actions API -
Webhooks API in Zoho CRM.
Webhooks in Zoho CRM
A webhook allows Zoho CRM to send real-time information to another application the moment something important happens. Webhooks let CRM push data instantly to an external URL whenever the workflow condition is met.
Webhooks do not notify on every record event by default. They trigger only when specific automations, such as a Workflow Rule you configure, are executed. This helps for specific real-time automation needs, such as sending high-value leads to an external validation service.
Use case
Zylker, an IT solutions provider, uses Zoho CRM to manage all incoming leads. But not every new lead is ready for the Sales team right away. Not all leads need immediate follow-ups. For leads with a high Profit Score (80+), it usually means strong buying intent, but they may contain fake information.
Why does Zylker use Zoho CRM and send these leads to an external validation application?
Before Sales reaches out, Zylker wants to make sure these high-value leads have valid information. While CRM keeps the lead data organized, a specialized third-party validation systems check any fraudulent activities and confirm whether the email, phone number, or other details are real.
To do this quickly, Zylker uses Webhooks in Zoho CRM. The moment a lead crosses the 80+ score, Zoho CRM automatically sends the lead’s data to Zylker’s external validation system. This lets Zylker verify the lead in real time and send back a clean, accurate, sales-ready profile for the Sales team to follow up on.
From here, we will explain every part of Webhooks by showing how it looks in the Zoho CRM UI and how to do the same using the API. Each step will be shown side-by-side, so you can clearly see how the UI setup translates into the API request.
Configuring Webhooks for Zylker’s Use Case - UI Method
- Go to Setup
- Navigate to Automation
- Choose Actions -> Webhooks
- Click Configure Webhook
You will see the window shown below.
Webhook - UI view
The following sections explain what each field means in three parts:
- Basic fields to configure Webhook.
- Configuring Headers
- Configuring Body
Filling the basic Webhook details via UI
Filling the basic Webhook details via Create Webhook API
Request URL: {{api-domain}}/crm/v8/settings/automation/webhooks
Request Method: POST
Input JSON
{ "webhooks": [ { "name": "Push High Score Leads", "description": "Send leads with Profit Score > 80 to validation system.", "module": { "api_name": "Leads", "id": "5725767000000002175" }, "authentication": { "type": "general" }, "http_method": "POST" } ] }
|
Keys explanation
- name (mandatory): Name of your webhook.
- description: Add a short note about what this webhook does.
- module (mandatory): Select the module from where the external application listens the changes. In our case, select Leads module to push high-score leads.
- url (mandatory): Specify the external endpoint where CRM will send the data. This lets the external application see what CRM sends.
- Note: In this post, we have used an endpoint from Webhook.site
- authentication (mandatory): Specify authentication type for the webhook endpoint.
- Possible types:
- general: The receiving system does not require OAuth. You can pass OAuth tokens manually in headers.
- connections:
- OAuth-based integrations: Systems that use Zoho’s Connections.
- For our Zylker use case, we select General.
Note: In
Zoho CRM API V8, Webhooks currently support only General authentication. Connection-based authentication will be available in a future update.
- http_method (mandatory): Select a HTTP method that allows you to send structured data.
Possible values: POST, GET, PUT, DELETE
In our case, we use POST to create a new record in the external app with the necessary lead details, allowing the external system to run its validation checks.
HTTP methods and their supported parameters - Headers, Body, URL Parameters
HTTP Method | Headers | Body | URL Parameters |
POST | Module parameters Custom parameters
| Type: form-data
Module parameters Custom parameters User-defined parameters
Formats: null
Type: raw
Formats: Text, JSON, HTML, XML | Not Supported |
PUT | Module parameters Custom parameters
| Type: form-data
Module parameters Custom parameters User-defined parameters
Formats: null
Type: raw
Formats: Text, JSON, HTML, XML | Not Supported |
GET | Not Supported | Not Supported | - Module parameters
- Custom parameters
- User-defined parameters
|
DELETE | Not Supported | Not Supported | Module parameters Custom parameters User-defined parameters
|
Each HTTP method supports different parameter types. The above table shows which methods support Headers, Request Body, and URL Parameters. Detailed explanations of these parameter types are provided in the following section.
Creating a Webhook with Headers, Body, and URL Parameters
When a webhook is triggered in Zoho CRM, the data is sent to the external application as part of the HTTP request.
The data can be sent in three places:
- Headers
- Body (Form-Data or Raw)
- URL Parameters
Each part serves a different purpose.
Configuring Headers
UI - Configuration

Headers allow you to send
extra information along with your webhook request. These help when the external app needs extra data like auth tokens or CRM field values.
Zoho CRM supports two types of headers:
- Module Parameters - Dynamic values from CRM fields
- Custom Parameters - Static values you define
Module Parameters - dynamic CRM data
Module parameters allow you to send values from CRM fields inside the header. These values change depending on the record that triggered the webhook.
A module parameter consists of:
- Parameter Name - A unique header key that you define. It does not have to match the CRM field API name.
- Parameter Type - Defines the source of the data you are mapping. It can come from the selected CRM module such as Leads and Contacts, lookup fields, User fields such as Lead Owner, or Organization fields.
- Parameter Value - The merge field value. Example, ${!Leads.Created_By.id}
Note: If you decide to use Headers, then you must add at least one module_parameter. Otherwise CRM will show an error.
Example:
Parameter Name | Parameter Type | Parameter Value |
Lead_Email | Leads | Email |
Annual_Revenue | Leads | Annual Revenue |
Profit_Score | Leads | Profit Score |
Created_By | Created By | User Id |
Custom Parameters - static values
Custom parameters are key-value pairs that never change.
These are useful for:
- API version
- Tags like “zylker-crm”
Name | Value |
source | zylker-crm |
version | v1 |
Request URL: {{api-domain}}/crm/v8/settings/automation/webhooks
Request Method: POST
Input JSON
{ "webhooks": [ { . . . "http_method": "POST", "headers": { "module_parameters": [ { "name": "Lead_Email", "value": "${!Leads.Email}" }, { "name": "Annual_Revenue", "value": "${!Leads.Annual_Revenue}" }, { "name": "Profit_Score", "value": "${!Leads.Profit_Score}" }, { "name": "Created_By", "value": "${!Leads.Created_By.id}" } ], "custom_parameters": [ { "name": "source", "value": "zylker-crm" }, { "name": "version", "value": "v1" } ] } } ] }
|
When should Zylker use Headers?
For the 80+ Profit Score validation use case, Zylker can include module parameters such as Lead Email, Profit Score, and Lead ID, which are helpful for fraud-detection tools.
Similarly, Zylker can include custom parameters like source=zylker-crm and api_version=v1 to help the external system identify where the webhook originated.
Configuring the Body of a Webhook - form-data & raw formats
After setting up the basic details and Headers, the next step is to configure the Body.
The Body is where the main CRM record data is sent, which is different from the Header section that only carries metadata like auth tokens or quick identifiers.
Depending on your needs, the Body can be either Form-Data or Raw. The list below shows the supported options for each format.
- Form-Data:
- Module parameter
- Custom parameter
- User-defined format.
- Raw:
- Text - plain messages
- JSON - structured API payload
- HTML - formatted messages
- XML - traditional enterprise systems
Form-Data Body: key-value
UI - Configuration
Zoho CRM lets you build Form-Data using three types of parameters:
- Module Parameters
- Custom Parameters
- User Defined Parameters
Use Form-Data when the external app expects key-value pairs - similar to how HTML forms submit data.
Note:
- Headers are for sending supporting information that helps the external system understand the request - this can include auth details, source identifiers, or key CRM fields like email or score that help with quick categorization or filtering.
Why do Module and Custom parameters appear again in Form-Data?
The same Module Parameters and Custom Parameters are available in the Body because:
- Headers - Provide supporting details such as identifiers or quick-check values. For example, Lead ID, or source tags that help the external system check and route the request.
- Body - Contains the complete lead information that the external validation system needs to process.
Although the parameter names look the same (Module, Custom), their purpose changes:
Where parameters are used | Purpose | Example |
Headers | Metadata - OAuth,tags, and context | source: zylker-crm |
Form-Data (Body) | Main record data - actual lead details sent to the app. | lead_email=patricia@zylker.com |
So Zoho CRM gives you the same structure, but used differently depending on where the data is placed.
User-Defined Parameters
User-Defined parameters let you build custom, human-readable messages or templates. This parameter is available only in the Body, not in Headers.
Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
custom_message | New high-score lead: ${Leads.First Name}${Leads.Last Name} (Score: ${Leads.Profit Score}) |
This is very helpful if your external app expects a text message, notes, or a description field.
Configuring the Body of a Webhook - form-data via Create Webhook API
Request URL: {{api-domain}}/crm/v8/settings/automation/webhooks
Request Method: POST
Input JSON
{ "webhooks": [ { . . . "body": { "form_data_content": { "module_parameters": [ { "name": "Lead_Email", "value": "${!Leads.Email}" }, { "name": "Annual_Revenue", "value": "${!Leads.Annual_Revenue}" }, { "name": "Profit_Score", "value": "${!Leads.Profit_Score}" }, { "name": "Created_By", "value": "${!Leads.Created_By.id}" } ], "custom_parameters": [ { "name": "source", "value": "zylker-crm" }, { "name": "version", "value": "v1" } ], "user_defined_parameters": { "name": "custom_message", "value": "New high-score lead: ${!Leads.First_Name}${!Leads.Last_Name} (Score: ${!Leads.Profit_Score})" } }, "type": "form_data" }, . . . } ] }
|
Raw Body - JSON / XML / HTML / Text
Zoho CRM’s Webhook Body section allows you to send data to an external application in a Raw format. This is useful when the receiving system expects structured data in the following structure.
You can choose:
- Raw + Text
- Raw + JSON
- Raw + HTML
- Raw + XML
Raw + Text:
Text format is the simplest. You can type any text and insert merge fields.
UI - Configuration
When to use Text?
- When sending a simple message.
- When the external app only expects plain text.
Configuring the Body of a Webhook - Raw - "Text" via Create Webhook API
Request URL: {{api-domain}}/crm/v8/settings/automation/webhooks
Request Method: POST
Input JSON
{ "webhooks": [ { . . . "body": { "raw_data_content": "New high score lead: ${!Leads.First_Name} ${!Leads.Last_Name}, ${!Leads.Email}, ${!Leads.Annual_Revenue}, ${!Leads.Phone}, ${!Leads.Industry}, ${!Leads.Owner}", "format": "Text", "type": "raw" }, . . . } ] }
|
Raw + JSON:
This is the most common format for APIs. Use this when the receiving system expects structured JSON data.
UI - Configuration
Configuring the Body of a Webhook - Raw - "JSON" via Create Webhook API
Request URL: {{api-domain}}/crm/v8/settings/automation/webhooks
Request Method: POST
Input JSON
{ "webhooks": [ { . . . "body": { "raw_data_content": "{\n \"id\": \"${!Leads.id}\",\n \"full_name\": \"${!Leads.Last_Name}\",\n \"email\": \"${!Leads.Email}\",\n \"company\": \"${!Leads.Company}\",\n \"profit_score\": \"${!Leads.Profit_Score}\",\n \"owner\": \"${!Leads.Owner}\"\n}", "format": "JSON", "type": "raw" }, . . . } ] }
|
When to use JSON?
- When the external system expects structured data
- Easier validation
Raw + HTML:
HTML format is useful for sending stylized messages or formatted content.
UI - Configuration
Configuring the Body of a Webhook - Raw - "HTML" via Create Webhook API
Request URL: {{api-domain}}/crm/v8/settings/automation/webhooks
Request Method: POST
Input JSON
{ "webhooks": [ { . . . "body": { "raw_data_content": "<p><strong>New Lead Alert</strong></p>\n<p>Name: ${!Leads.Last_Name}</p>\n<p>Email: ${!Leads.Email}</p>\n<p>Company: ${!Leads.Company}</p>\n<p>Profit Score: ${!Leads.Profit_Score}</p>\n<p>Owner: ${!Leads.Owner}</p>", "format": "HTML", "type": "raw" }, . . . } ] }
|
When to use HTML?
- If the external system displays formatted output
Raw + XML:
Some legacy systems or enterprise applications prefer XML.
UI - Configuration
Configuring the Body of a Webhook - Raw - "XML" via Create Webhook API
Request URL: {{api-domain}}/crm/v8/settings/automation/webhooks
Request Method: POST
Input JSON
{ "webhooks": [ { . . . "raw_data_content": "<Lead>\n <Id>${!Leads.id}</Id>\n <Name>${!Leads.Last_Name}</Name>\n <Email>${!Leads.Email}</Email>\n <Company>${!Leads.Company}</Company>\n <ProfitScore>${!Leads.Profit_Score}</ProfitScore>\n<LeadOwner>${!Leads.Owner}</LeadOwner>\n</Lead>", "format": "XML", "type": "raw" }, . . . } ] }
|
When to use XML?
- With older systems
- When the receiving system only supports XML
Note:
- When you switch the webhook method in the UI, Zoho CRM changes the options you can configure:
GET Method
- Only URL Parameters are available
- Headers are hidden
- Body is hidden
- Because GET requests always send data through the URL and cannot carry a body.
DELETE Method
- Headers are available
- URL Parameters are available
- Body is still not supported
- DELETE requests can include headers, but Zoho CRM does not allow sending a body for DELETE webhooks.
- Date-time format:
Zoho CRM will format any Date or DateTime fields in your webhook according to the format you select.
UI - Configuration
API - Configuration
{ "webhooks": [ { "module": { "api_name": "Leads", "id": "5725767000000002175" }, "url_parameters": { "module_parameters": [ { "name": "Created_Time", "value": "${!Leads.Created_Time}" } ] }, "description": "Send leads with Profit Score > 80 to validation system.", "http_method": "GET", "name": "Push High Score Leads", "date_time_format": { "datetime_format": "mm-dd-yyyy HH:MM:SS", "date_format": "yyyy-mm-dd", "time_zone": "America/Los_Angeles" }, "authentication": { "connection_name": null, "type": "general" } } ] }
|
With this, we have covered what a
Webhook is in Zoho CRM, how to configure a basic Webhook, how to configure a Webhook with Headers, Body, and URL Parameters, how each component works, how to configure them using the UI, and how the same setup can be created through the
POST Webhooks API.
In Part 2, we will explain
- How to manage Webhooks using the GET, PUT, and DELETE Webhook APIs
- How to associate a Webhook with a Workflow
- How to perform real-time testing by creating records
- How an external application receives data from Zoho CRM via Webhook.
We hope this post helps you understand how to use Webhooks through the Zoho CRM Actions API -
Webhooks API.
Try it out, and let us know your experience in the comments section or reach out to us at
support@zohocrm.com.
Stay tuned for more insights in our upcoming Kaizen posts!
Cheers!
Recent Topics
Tip #59- Technician Console: Exploring View option- 'Insider Insights'
Hello Zoho Assist Community! Ever wondered how technicians adapt quickly during a live support session? Imagine a customer reaching out with an issue that’s disrupting their work. The technician starts a remote session and begins troubleshooting right
MRP or Manufacturing Module for Zoho
We have been searching for options for a production planning or MRP that will integrate with Zoho. Zoho Creator is pushed as a platform that can have an MRP built from scratch but we would like to find more of an out of the box solution and modify it to fit our needs. Are there any recommendations? Would Zoho consider creating a custom solution in Creator to support this need?
encountering an error when attempting to associate an email with a Deal using the Zoho CRM extension in Zoho Mail.
When I click "Yes, associate," the system displays an "Oops!! Something went wrong" error message. I have attached a screenshot of the issue for reference.
Can 1 Zoho CRM instance sync with 2 Zoho Marketing Automation instances?
Can 1 Zoho CRM instance sync with 2 Zoho Marketing Automation instances?
Issue Exporting Data – CSRF Token Invalid Error
Dear Zoho Team, We are experiencing an issue when exporting data from our Analytics workspace. Whenever we attempt to export data from our analytical pool, the system displays the following alert message: Alert Message: The CSRF token is invalid. It could
Can I add Conditional merge tags on my Templates?
Hi I was wondering if I can use Conditional Mail Merge tags inside my Email templates/Quotes etc within the CRM? In spanish and in our business we use gender and academic degree salutations , ie: Dr., Dra., Sr., Srta., so the beginning of an email / letter
Zoho mail account ownership transfer
We recently took over another company and have assumed responsibility for its Zoho account, including Zoho Mail and all related services. We would like to formally transfer ownership of this account to our organization. Could you please outline the complete
Email Authentication is Failing
I'm trying to setup gitlab with email authentication. I used the following configs picked up from: https://docs.gitlab.com/omnibus/settings/smtp/ gitlab_rails['smtp_enable'] = true gitlab_rails['smtp_address'] = "smtp.zoho.com" gitlab_rails['smtp_port']
DMARC reports for mail I didn't send: how to deal with?
I know the enthusiastic amateur's bare minimum about e-mail; am able to set up a Thunderbird account and know the basic acronyms. I have a Zoho Mail account connected to my domain, and have set up SPF, DMARC and DKIM successfully according to Zoho's instruction
ms
Email set up for communication
Fix the speed
It takes ages to load on every step even though my dataset is quite small.
Capture Bank Charges for Invoice Payments
We've added the Bank Charges field in the "Add Payments" page both in Zoho Invoice & Zoho Books. So all you need to do is to enter the bank charges when you record a payment for the invoices. This bank charge will be included to the amount paid for that invoice. Steps to add the bank charges while you record the payment: 1. Click the "Invoices" sub-tab under the "Money-In" tab. 2. Click the 'add payment' link for the invoice that you wish to record the payment for. 3. On the add
Conditional Layouts On Multi Select Field
How we can use Conditional Layouts On Multi Select Field field? Please help.
Multiple Cover Letters
We are using the staffing firm edition of Recruit and we have noticed that candidates cannot add more than one cover letter. This is a problem as they might be applying for multiple jobs on our career site and when we submit their application to a client,
Función Deshacer y Rehacer
Hola. Soy un reciente usuario de Zoho Notebook que he migrado desde Evernote. He encontrado en falta una función que considero muy importante: un botón para "deshacer". Es frustrante cuando se borra un parte del texto o un archivo de una nota, generalmente
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
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
Image field in custom module
Hi guy, Is there any hope of adding a custom image field in the custom module? We created a custom module to keep track of assets, and it would be helpful if we could attach an image to the record. Thanks Rudy
Deluge Function to Update Custom Field
I'm trying to get a Deluge function (which will run as part of a Schedule in Desk) that retrieves all tickets with the status "Recurring" and updates the custom field checkbox "cf_recurring" to "true". Here's what I have, which doesn't work: searchValue
"View ticket" link is broken
The "View ticket" link in our Zoho ticketing system confirmation emails is broken (please see attached). Impacts ability to update/review details, and, refresh recollection at a later date. Any help would be much appreciated.
WhatsApp IM in Zoho Desk always routes to Admin instead of assigned agent
Hello Zoho Experts, I connected WhatsApp IM to my Zoho Desk account. I only assigned my Customer Service (CS) agent to the WhatsApp channel, and I did NOT include Admin in this channel. However, every new WhatsApp conversation automatically gets assigned
import data from Apollo.ai into zoho crm via zoho flow
I might be asking this question in the wrong forum. We use Apollo.ai to find potential new leads for our business, there are around 10000 leads that we have initially found. We have an Apollo.ai account but just to do searches, we dont use it as a crm.
Woocommerce Line Item Information
I'd like to add each line item from a Woocommerce order to a zoho creator form record. The line items are found within the line items array, but I'm not sure how to get each item out of the array? Any help would be much appreciated.
Synching changes to Stripe when changes are made in Zoho Billing
We have a situation where we have merged customers in Zoho BIlling and then found out later that the payment in Stripe was not updated and still associated with the old customer record. The card gets updated and billed, but that payment is still associated
How do I fix this? Unable to send message; Reason:554 5.1.8 Email Outgoing Blocked.
How do I fix this? Unable to send message; Reason:554 5.1.8 Email Outgoing Blocked.
Disable Smart Filters By Default
The smart filters "feature" is causing confusion for Zoho Mail users. New emails should be delivered to the inbox unless they have specifically opted to redirect them somewhere else. People don't understand that new emails might be waiting in a random
ME SALE ESTE ERROR: No fue posible enviar el mensaje;Motivo:554 5.1.8 Email Outgoing Blocked
Ayuda!! Me sale este error al intentar enviar mensajes desde mi correo electronico de Zoho! Tampoco recibo correos pues cuando me envia rebotan. Ayuda, Me urge enviar unos correo importantes!! Quedo atenta MAGDA HERNANDEZ +5731120888408
Client Script | Update - Client Script Support For Custom Buttons
Hello everyone! We are excited to announce one of the most requested features - Client Script support for Custom Buttons. This enhancement lets you run custom logic on button actions, giving you greater flexibility and control over your user interactions.
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
Zoho Mail not working
Zoho Mail not working
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
CRM x WorkDrive: File storage for new CRM signups is now powered by WorkDrive
Availability Editions: All DCs: All Release plan: Released for new signups in all DCs. It will be enabled for existing users in a phased manner in the upcoming months. Help documentation: Documents in Zoho CRM Manage folders in Documents tab Manage files
Queries on Project-Based Inventory Consumption and Proforma Invoice in Zoho ERP
We would appreciate your clarification on how Zoho ERP plans to handle the following: Project-based inventory consumption without itemized sales orders Accurate project cost tracking along with inventory reduction Proforma Invoice usage We look forward
I can't add a new customer in Zoho invoice? Anyone had this issue before?
Ive been using Zoho invoice for over 6 years. Today I wanted to add a new customer to send an invoice to but it doesn't save when I try to access it from the pulldown menu when you go to send a new invoice.
Spreadsheet View click & focus issue in Arabic (RTL) localization
Hello Zoho Support Team, I am facing an issue in Zoho Creator Spreadsheet View when using Arabic localization (RTL). Scenario: My app supports English (LTR) and Arabic (RTL). I created a Spreadsheet View for a form. In English, everything works correctly.
Copy contents of File Upload Field into Workdrive
Hello, I have set up our CRM so that a Workdrive folder is automatically created for each Deal via workflow, this adds the id of the folder into a dedicated field. We also have a field on each Deal called 'Approved Layout', which is a file upload field.
Customer address in Zoho Bookings
Hello, Is it possible to add customer address information to the Zoho bookings appointment screen? Or have it pull that information automatically from the CRM? We are wanting to use this as a field management software but it is difficult to pull the address from multiple sources when it would be ideal to have a clickable address on the appointment screen that opens up the user's maps. It would also be advantageous for the "list view" to show appointment times instead of just duration and booking
Ghost email notification on a form
Hello, We have recently encountered an error where I can not see a email notification set up for a form which I am currently the owner, although neither the form nor the notification were created by me. However, neither can the Super Admin access the
Introducing Record Category in CRM: Group options to see record status at a glance.
Release update: Currently available for CN, JP, and AU DCs (all paid editions). It will be made available to other DCs by mid-March. Hello everyone, We are pleased to introduce Record Category in Zoho CRM - a new capability where the user can get an overview
bulk edit records and run internal logic
hi there is few logics in manner "it this than that" logics work well when i edit entry openning it one by one (via workflow "on add/edit - on success" , for custom field "on update/on user input") but when i try bulk edit records - logic does not work. how can i turn on logic to work as programmed - for mass editing records via bulk edit?
Next Page