
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
%PaymentLink%
Does not work. Software creates a BAD link. ....and yes payment options are turned on. Link on the invoice pdf once opened will work but this template is a joke.
Google Photos
I am hoping that my question already has a fix. I current have Google synced accounts that I want to get away from. One in particular on is Google photos. Is there any software, or 3rd parties that I can join to back my photos up straight to specifically designated file in the ZOHO cloud that's tied to Docs? Please advise... Mike
Zoho Books Items Categorisation/Grouping/Folder
Is there a way to do items categorisation? a folder structure? Product Type A - Option 1/2/3 Product Type B - Option 1/2/3 Current problem : I have more than 50 items on the list, its hard for team to navigate.
Cash payments before invoice date
We have been using zoho books for our hospitality business for some time and have been very happy with the system. However in 2025 an update was pushed through and we are now not able to record payments for invoices before the invoice date. the case scenario
Copy / Duplicate Workflow
I have workflows setup that are very similar to each other. We have a monitoring system watching servers, and all notifications - no matter what client it is about - will come from a noreply@ address which is not very helpful in having it auto assigned to the right account. I have setup a workflow that will change the contact name of the ticket (currently it would say noreply@) to the correct customer which is based on the subject line, as that mentions which server the alert it is about. I need
Transfer between two customers (Peters Rental account to Peters Private account)
we are a Property Management company. Our customers have to accounts (registered as two customers - Peter Rental and Peter Private On the rental account all income and costs fron rental activities are noted. On the private account all private are noted
Automation#18: Automatically Fetch Values from Contacts to the Tickets Module
Hello Everyone, Welcome to this week's edition, where you can seamlessly sync fields from the Contacts to the Tickets module. For efficient business operations, it's crucial to have details mapped across different modules. Zylker Secure offers antivirus
Charge multiple invoices
We use auto-charge/recurring invoicing for 100's of clients. If we create a single manual invoice we can charge it to the credit card for these clients with the CC added to their recurring invoices. If a client has multiple outstanding invoices, is there a way to make one charge for all of the invoices instead of a separate charge to the cc for each invoice?
Handling/tracking escalation management in Zoho
Hi all, I am working on finding a tool to register and track our escalation management process. Specifically, this is about client escalations, typically related to project delivery issues. The idea is that we could have some sort of form with core questions
Global Choice List share ownership
I have created several forms that use one or more Global Choice Lists. These lists have been published to Org. I would like to allow one or more admins to edit the choices in these lists. Any help appreciated. Geoff
Setting up property management in Zoho Books
Hi, I run a property management business that manages property complexes. There are multiple owners, some owning more than one property on the same complex. My role is to manage the fees they pay for maintenance of common areas, such as the swimming pool
How to prevent users from switching price lists in an order?
Hi, I have Zoho Finance integrated with Zoho CRM. My team will be placing orders through the CRM using the Finance module. When creating a new customer I will assign it a price list, I don't want the sales rep to switch to a different Price List, other
Unable to Change Display Name for my outlook mail ID
Hello, I recently added my personal outlook mail to Zohomail (in the web interface) using POP3 options. I tried to change the display name of the outlook account, but it changes for a brief moment and reverts back to the old name. Kindly help me with
Mollie Connect in Zoho Books
Have noticed that Zoho Books is missing the most popular payment provider in Europe: Mollie. Knowing that Mollie has a solid Java SDK, why is this not yet implemented in Zoho Books for European customers? More info: https://docs.mollie.com/oauth/ov
Unable to change Lookup field from Multi Select to Single Select
I am trying to change a Lookup field in my Zoho Creator form from Multi Select to Single Select, but I am unable to find any option to do this.
Simple Callback Notifications Needed
My team are terrible at remembering their CRM callbacks, often due to how long in the future they are set for. Is there a way i can set an e-mail notification for when a callback is due? For example we set it for 9am one day and five minutes before they
Personal Data (RODO), Cookies / Trackers - ePrivacy
I have noticed several issues that should be addressed on the customer support page. Zoho Desk provides the support portal, but it currently lacks the following options: A GDPR and personal data processing consent checkbox before logging in, located in
How to set a multi-lookup field as mandatory?
Allow Multiple Scheduled Appointments with Zoho Support
Dear Zoho Team, I hope you're doing well. First, thank you for introducing the option to schedule support calls via the Zoho CRM booking link. This has been a fantastic enhancement, eliminating the need for back-and-forth coordination when scheduling
Audit Log for Zoho One Admin Panel
Dear Zoho One Team, We would like to request the addition of an Audit Log feature in the Zoho One Admin Panel. This log should provide visibility into any changes made within the Zoho One admin panel and directory, including but not limited to: Adding,
Bug: OAuth 2.0 State Parameter fails with Pipe Delimiters (RFC 6749 Non-Compliance)
I've discovered a bug in how Zoho's API Console handles the OAuth 2.0 authorization flow when the state parameter contains pipe characters (|), and I'm hoping the Zoho team can address this in a future update. The Issue Zoho's OAuth 2.0 implementation
Custom Function to increment a value by one
Hi, I'm trying to find a solution to set up a counter on CRM records that tracks how many times certain actions have taken place. As a specific example: We have a field on Deals called "Times Close Updated". This starts at 0 on record creation. I'd like
Access token generate from the refresh token not working for API
Dear Sir/Madam, When I use my refresh token to obtain new access_token, that token return INVALID_TOKEN when the same API is called. I made sure that my api site is correct and match the auth web site. However the original access_token work fine.
why does my campaign move back to draft?
Every time I try to send my email campaign, it reverts back to Draft status.. this has happened three times in a row..how do i find out what the problem is? Thanks
Service and Parts Line Item Limitations
Hi FSM Team, We work with clients who deliver large-scale field service projects. In many cases, a single work order can contain 200+ service and parts line items. Currently, Zoho FSM limits work orders to 30 service and parts line items. While this works
【Zoho CRM】やりとりの要約機能リリースのお知らせ
ユーザーの皆さま、こんにちは。コミュニティチームの藤澤です。 今回は「Zoho CRM アップデート情報」の中から、新機能のやりとり要約機能をご紹介します。 Zoho CRMのやりとりの要約は、Ziaが生成する機能で、データに関連付けられた最近のやりとりを簡潔にまとめて提供します。 メール、通話、ミーティング、メモなどを1つの明確な要約にまとめ、重要なポイント、過去の話し合いの要点、結果、次のステップを表示することで、日常的な課題に対処します。 Ziaの強みは、単なる要約にとどまらず、内容の解釈も行える点です。やりとりの要約では、顧客との会話に潜む遅延、フォローアップ漏れ、約束、期限、感情、意図を特定します。
Recent post analytics not very useful
Hi, I'm enjoying some aspects of the Zoho Social. like being able to schedule posts to multiple channels. However, the recent posts analytics is disappointing. For example, I put up a reel on Instagram and Facebook yesterday. Instagram insights shows
What happens to the files created by user, whose account is deleted.
Hello, I created a folder in the My folders names "Quote" I shared the same with my colleague. She created some files and folders in that folder over the period of 1 and half year. Now she left company, and I deleted her account from Zoho. What happens
Internal Error When Accessing Team Inbox.
All our users are seeing this error in teaminbox. Because its a critical tool kindly resolve this issue ASAP.
Sharing URLs and direct access
Hello, I am storing my team's email signature images on Workdrive. I am creating a public image download share and adding “?directDownload=true” so that the image can be accessed without the Workdrive interface. A few questions: 1) Can we generate friendly
Zoho Mail Android app update: Calendar enhancements
Hello everyone! In the most recent version of the Zoho Mail Android app update, we have introduced various new enhancements for the calendar module. Let's explore what's new. Drag and drop events to update the date and time We have enhanced the calendar
Enhance Delay Configuration in Zoho Flow
Dear Zoho Flow Support Team, We are writing to request an improvement to the delay configuration process within Zoho Flow. Currently, users are required to manually enter the exact delay duration (e.g., "2 days") in the delay block. This can be time-consuming
Contratação ProdutivosX
Bem-vindo(a) ao processo de contratação da ProdutivosX. Este formulário tem como objetivo coletar informações essenciais para análise de perfil profissional, alinhamento de competências e possível integração ao equipamento ProdutivosX. A ProdutivosX é
Enhance Sign CRM integration
Hello all, I'm working on a custom Deluge script to enhance the integration between Zoho CRM and Sign by using a writer merge template for additional flexibility. I want to replicate the post-sign document integration that exists between CRM and Sign
Unified WhatsApp Number Management in Zoho Desk and SalesIQ
Dear Zoho Desk Support Team, We are currently utilizing both Zoho Desk and Zoho SalesIQ for our customer support operations. While both platforms offer WhatsApp integration, we are facing challenges due to the requirement of separate WhatsApp numbers
Email Field Validation Incorrectly Rejects RFC-Compliant Addresses (Forward Slashes)
I've encountered a validation issue with Zoho Creator's Email field that rejects RFC-compliant email addresses containing forward slashes, and I'm hoping the Zoho team can address this in a future update. The Issue When entering an email address containing
Plug Sample #15 - Enable Human-Like, Contextual Interactions in SalesIQ with Zia Agents
Zia Agents are conversational AI assistants designed to understand user intent and respond intelligently, helping businesses automate conversations and offer personalized support at scale. While Zia Agents are yet to be publicly released, access is currently
Best way to schedule bill payments to vendors
I've integrated Forte so that I can convert POs to bills and make payments to my vendors all through Books. Is there a way to schedule the bill payments as some of my vendors are net 30, net 60 and even net 90 days. If I can't get this to work, I'll have
Seamless Round-Trip Navigation for Related Blocks (Detail View)
As highlighted previously in this post (and here, here, here, and here), we still lack a fundamental capability for seamless navigation in Related Blocks. The popup that appears when adding a related record doesn't exist for viewing/editing existing records,
Social Profile Logo Format
Hello, I'm using Zoho Sites and am attempting to add a couple of social media accounts to my profile that aren't included in the default platforms that are available. What format is the logo required to be in? I have tried .png and .jpg with no success.
Next Page