
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
Announcing Multi-language Support in Zoho FSM
Zoho FSM now speaks your language. The much-awaited multi-language support is now available in Zoho FSM. The following languages are supported in Zoho FSM: Dutch (Nederlands) English - United Kingdom English - United States French (français) French -
Creating multiple CRM leads from a Zoho Forms subform
Hi all, We have a heavily used intake form that is used for new leads as a part of our intake. There is a subform that allows the lead to add additional team members, their titles and other basic info. That form submission creates a new Lead and the subform
Free webinar! Build smarter apps with Zoho Sign and Zoho Creator
Hello, Bring the power of digital signatures to the apps you build in Zoho Creator! Connect Zoho Sign as a microservice and enable seamless e-signature workflows in your applications. This integration allows you to automate signing tasks using Deluge.
Restrict Addresses in Zoho Forms?
In the address field, is there a way to restrict the addresses that auto populate (via Zoho Maps or Google Maps) to a specific state (I know it's possible with the country). Additionally, how often does the address in Zoho Maps get updated? Certain addresses
Weekly Tips: Secure your attachment downloads with Zoho Mail
Safety is one of our main concerns, whether it’s about device security or online protection. We use tools like fingerprint scanners, facial recognition, and two-factor authentication to keep our devices and email accounts secure. We use methods like OTP
Resume Harvester: New Enhancements for Faster Sourcing
We’re excited to share a set of enhancements to Resume Harvester that make sourcing faster and more flexible. These updates help you cut down on repetitive steps, manage auto searches more efficiently, and review candidate profiles with ease. Why we built
Looking for best practices to import data from SAP Business One (on-prem) into Zoho Analytics via Zoho DataPrep / Databridge — daily automated schedule
Hi all, I’m using SAP Business One on-prem (SQL Server / or HANA — depending on DB backend) as our ERP. I want to build a pipeline that, every morning at 9:00 AM IST: pulls transactional data (invoices, customers, products, stock, etc.) from SAP B1, loads
Zoho One Unified Portal - Applications
Hello, It is great to see the work on the New Unified Customer Portal. Thanks for that. The number of applications is limited though. It is now only around the Zoho Books ecosystem (Books, Expense...) and Zoho Social. = Are other applications planned
Marketing Tip #10: Start a customer loyalty program
Winning a new customer is great, but keeping them coming back is even better. A loyalty program rewards repeat buyers with points, giving them more reasons to shop again. Over time, this builds trust and long-term relationships. Try this today: Set up
Zia Actions: AI-powered Workflow Automation for Faster and Smarter Execution
Hello everyone, Updated on 12th Dec 2025 Zia actions for Workflow is available for Enterprise edition ONLY. These features are currently available in the following DCs: US, CA, EU, IN, and AU Email Auto reply and Content Generation are available as Early
Do Individual Forums within Categories, in Desk Community, Produce Their Own RSS Feed?
Do Individual Forums within Categories, in Desk Community, Produce Their Own RSS Feed? If not, can anyone share a work-around that could help me get an RSS feed for individual category forums?
Incremental Migration Issue – Ticket Showing Resolution on Dec 9 Despite Urgent MX Cutover (Ticket ID: 152080262)
I am experiencing an issue with Zoho Mail incremental migration from Rackspace. The initial full migration completed successfully, but the incremental migration for one mailbox failed immediately with the message: “User not exist” This appears to be a
Resend Client Portal Invitation + View Email Delivery Status
Hi Zoho Team, We hope you are doing well. We would like to request two important enhancements related to the Zoho Creator Client Portal invitation process. At the moment, when we add a user to the Client Portal, Zoho Creator automatically sends an invitation
Get user last login
1. Is there a way to programmatically get the last user login to trigger certain workflows? 2. Is there a way to programmatically access the custom fields on a user's account?
Seeking Zoho Creator Expert (Delivery Management App / Logistics Ops) — Built & Deployed Before
Hi everyone, We’re building a Delivery Management App (focused on delivery operations for now) using Zoho Creator. We’re looking for a Zoho Creator expert who has already developed and deployed a similar delivery/workflow system and can assist us with
Adding Multiple Files to a Zoho Vault Entry
There is a old blog post talking about adding multiple file attachments to one Zoho Vault Secret: https://www.zoho.com/blog/vault/introducing-new-features-in-zoho-vault-powerful-password-sharing-wider-storing.html Is that still possible, I can see how
FNB South Africa Bank Feed
I should've thought this wouldn't work. As suspect, Zoho claims to be able to pull bank feeds from First National Bank (South Africa), but fails everytime. I suppose Xero (or even Sage One) is the way to go? If they (miraculously) get it to work again,
Dropshipping Address - Does Not Show on Invoice Correctly
When a dropshipping address is used for a customer, the correct ship-to address does not seem to show on the Invoice. It shows correctly on the Sales Order, Shipment Order, and Package, just not the Invoice. This is a problem, because the company being
Zoho unreliable
Some mails are delivered, others not. How can I trust Zoho any more? Some friends get my e-mail, some don't. Same with receiving e-mails: Some I get, some not. If I use Google, everything works well. But Zoho?!!! How to solve this problem? I already reported this problem before, but didn't get any reply. Thanks, Kim
the custom domain forwards by default to the old career site / how to switch it off??
dear friends, how to switch off the old version of the career site?? The set up custom domain forwards directly to the old site, so that I cant publish it... Any ideas? Thank you! KR, Victoria
Preserve Ticket Issue Mapping When Migrating from Jira to Zoho Projects
Hello Zoho Projects Team, We hope you are doing well. We are currently exploring a full migration from Jira to Zoho Projects, and we identified a critical limitation during the migration process involving Zoho Desk integration. Current Situation: We use
Recording Shopify/Amazon fees in Zoho Books - Zoho Inventory
We are currently flushing out the connections between Shopify/Amazon and Zoho Inventory. For other users of Zoho Books - Zoho Inventory, where and at what point do you record the merchant fees associated with theses channels? I have gotten mixed responses
Pre-fill webforms in Recruit
I don't want to use the career site portal (as I have my own already), but I would like to direct users to the application forms for each role, from my website job pages. Is there a way to pre-fill fields in Recruit application forms, so that I only have
Taxes Payable Adjustment
I am from Canada and I need to make an adjustment to my Taxes Payable (HST) account. Basically I need to take a portion of the amount within Taxes Payable and expense that portion to another account. The adjusting entry would like like the following:
ASAP Widget Not showing "My Tickets"ed
Hello Team, I have created a ZOHO ASAP Widget and embedded to my portal app.clearvuiq.com , widget renders ok and I can open tickets from widget. However I want my opened tickets to be visible in the widget. How can I achieve that?
Bug Causing Major Sync & SO Access Failures in Zoho POS
We are experiencing critical and recurring issues in Zoho POS that all trace back to role-permission handling defects in the latest POS app version. These issues directly affect syncing, login ability, and Sales Order access for role-restricted users
How to view CRM Sales Orders in Desk
What's the usual way to view all CRM sales orders linked to a contact, when viewing a ticket in Desk? I don't want to have to open a new tab to see the order in CRM. And the Desk CRM sidebar doesn't seem to be configurable. Would I have to use an extension
Kaizen #219: Actions API - Webhooks APIs - Part 1
Hello all!! Welcome back to a fresh Kaizen week. In the previous weeks, we covered Workflow Rules APIs, Actions APIs - Email Notification APIs, Tasks Update API, and Field Update API. This week, we will continue with another Actions API - Webhooks API
Pricing Strategies: #3 Services never Stop with just Plans
"Hey, while you're here, could you also take a look at the vegetable patch?" Aaron hears that line almost every week. He runs a small gardening service, the kind where customers subscribe to a simple monthly plan that includes basic maintenance, mowing,
Cropping Photos for Zoho Sites
Hi, I'm wondering if there is a built in crop tool for zoho sites for my photos so I can crop them and see what the crop looks like on the site?
Possible for first Signer of Sign Form to specify the next signer in the sequence
We have many use cases where multiple signers need sign the same document. We'd love to be able to use sign forms, where the a signer who uses the Sign Form link can specify the name and email address for the next person in the sequence.
BUG: Can't copy-paste data outside Sheet
Currently I can't paste data copied from inside any of my Zoho Sheet files to any other app. Copy-paste works inside the sheet It does NOT work between two different sheets These sheets are built from automation templates Everything works fine if I create
Zoho CRM Community Digest - November 2025 | Part 1
Hello Everyone! Here’s what came through in the first half of November: new updates and a few helpful community discussions with real, notable solutions. Product Updates: Android App Update: Inctroducing Swipe Actions You can now swipe left or right on
Upload own Background Image and set Camera to 16:9
Hi, in all known online meeting tools, I can set up a background image reflecting our corporate design. This doesn't work in Cliq. Additionally, Cliq detects our cameras as 4:3, showing black bars on the right and left sides during the meeting. Where
Truesync for Linux
Is Truesync available on linux ?
Hidding/excluding specific picklist options from filter
Hi. Is it possible to hide/exclude specific picklist options from this filter? I don't want them to be shown when someone tries to filter in the leads module
Subforms to Capture Multi-Row Data in Job Sheets
Subforms transform your job sheets from simple checklists to powerful, data-rich forms. In field service work — whether maintenance, inspection, installation, or repair — a single job can involve multiple repeatable entries: readings, parts used, activities
Add "Fetch Composite Item" Action for Inventory
I want to make a Flow that uses information returned in the GET call for Composite Items, and it's not currently available in Zoho Flow. Please consider adding this functionality.
Adress Labels for sending of the oder und barcode
We want to print with my address labels to stick on the order of the ware can. there are these options?
printing individual labels - Dymo LabelWriter
I am trying to print individual labels to my Dymo LabelWriter - has anyone done this? Latest Update (December 2025): The Canvas Print View is now available! We encourage you all to try it out and share your feedback with us. Learn more here: Zoho CRM
Next Page