
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
Cannot upgrade subscription plan due to payment error message
Hi Zoho team, This is to request support on an issue I am facing during an upgrade I am trying to make to our company's yearly Zoho subscription. I am trying to add 3 more license to my plan and during the payment phase I get the below error as in the
Enhancing Zia's service with better contextual responses and article generation
Hello everyone, We are enhancing Zia's Generative AI service to make your support experience smarter. Here's how: Increased accuracy with Qwen One of the key challenges in AI is delivering responses that are both contextually accurate and empathetic while
Zoho Desk app update: AI powered features
Hello everyone! We’ve introduced various AI-powered services on the Zoho Desk app. Let's take a look at what's new. Generate Content: Generate Content uses AI to formulate responses based on the your query and provides a ready-to-use reply which can be
Bulk update Archived Ticket
Dear All We would like to update the "Category" values to the new filed. We found the archived Ticket seems to be don't support the bulk action. Do we have any way to update it. Finally, we would to generate a report for our ticket system. Regards I
Channel Configuration and Default Channels
There are some of the default fields that cannot be removed or changed. Examples are the social media ones, such as Facebook. It would be nice to be able to remove these fields as it would be confusing if someone selected this but it's not configure
Delay function execute
I've got a workflow which uses a webhook to send information to Flow, which in return updates a record in Creator. Problem is, by the time this has executed, the rest of my script has run and can't find the (yet to be) updated info in the record. Is there
Support www.camcard.com
Hi, Is it possible CRM Zoho have integrations with https://camcard.com/? Thanks Br, Andy
Option to Customize Career Site URL Without “/jobs/Careers”
Dear Zoho Recruit Team, I hope you are doing well. We would like to request an enhancement to the Career Site URL structure in Zoho Recruit. In the old version of the career site, our URL was simply: 👉 https://jobs.domain.com However, after moving to
Can't make a document editable to anyone
Hey everyone, I am using Zoho Workdrive and trying to share a document so that it is editable by anyone with the link. I am trying to convince people to shift from Google to Zoho, but they don't have accounts yet. When I try to change the share settings
Edit Default Print
What I want to do is create / edit the "Default Print" template without changing the layout I'm using. Currently I can create "Email Templates" but I don't use them for emailing and getting to that selection takes multiple clicks. If an email template could be set to be the Default Print template that would be helpful. I'd also like to print these in bulk but don't see that option (there is a mail merge macro but that goes straight to emailing, not to print or PDF).
Widget shows error
Hi, May I ask why below characters will be auto added into the widget link and how to solve this error? As my widget shows 404 error now. ?serviceOrigin=https%3A%2F%2Fcrm.zoho.com&frameorigin=https%3A%2F%2Fcrm.zoho.com
How to print envelope labels from Zoho CRM
Can anybody give me any clue how to print envelope/package labels directly from Contacts view? Regards, Alexandru Moderation Update: The Canvas Print View, which also facilitates the formatting of mailing labels, is now available! Learn more here: Zoho
Data Import: New interface, improved field mapping, and more
Hello everyone! We’ve redesigned the data import process to ensure accurate field alignment and verify that every column in the uploaded file maps correctly with Desk fields before import. Here's how: Streamlined Import Steps Importing data is now more
Address labels
Hi, we've been searching for a long time for a simple way for our employees to print address labels using a Dymo Label Writer 450. We came up with two alternatives that work, bur aren't really optimal. First one is WebMerge. Webmerge is a great application that does 100% what we need but it is way too expensive for our needs. We only need to print a couple of labels per month. The second one is the integrated print tool in Zoho CRM, (Print preview) You would think this is the obvious way to do this
Print Labels
How can I configure my address to print my labels like this: Name Mailing Address Mailing City, Mailing State Mailing Zip Country Instead of: Name Mailing Address Mailing City Mailing State Mailing Zip Country Thanks!!!!
Mailing labels - Improperly formatted
All I'm trying to do is print one, properly formatted, mailing label. I'm in the Contacts module. In the default "list view" for mailing labels I selected a single client, hit the "more actions" drop down and selected print mailing label. Unfortunately,
Printing mailing labels
The ability to print mailing labels would seem to be an important, basic, function of a good CRM. I find it very surprising that this has still not been addressed adequately by Zoho. When trying to use the existing "mailing label" included: 1. the data
Pageless mode needed to modernise Writer
When we switched from GSuite to Zoho, one of the easiest apps I found to give up, was Docs. In many ways, Writer has always been more powerful than Docs, especially in terms of workflows/fillable forms/etc. However, I went back into Docs because I notice
Zoho Projects - Visual improvement to parent and sub-task relationship
Hi Projects Team, My feature request is to improve sub-task visibility. Please see screenshot below. I really think parent child relationships could be visually improved. Even if the first letter of the parent task was inline with other same level tasks
API method to get activity feed in Recruit
Hi community, I'm trying to figure out - is there any API method tto get information about datetime when Recruit/Candidates record tag where added?
Printing Mailing labels
Is there any way to adjust the size of the printing labels? or product would I use to print labels from Zoho? Thanks, Josef Krieger Moderation Update (14th April 2025): We have another post discussing the same topic with votes and feedback from users.
Default to Current Date
I'm importing data from a excel spread sheet that does not have date column and I'd like the date column in the Zoho Database to default to the current date. Any way I can do this?
Different Company Name for billing & shipping address
We are using Zoho Books & Inventory for our Logistics and started to realize soon, that Zoho is not offering a dedicated field for a shipping address company name .. when we are creating carrier shipping labels, the Billing Address company name gets always
Make Packages from multiple sales order of a single customer
Our customers sends orders to us very frequently, some times what customer wants is to ship items from 5 to 6 sales orders in a single shipment. it will be very nice if, zoho can implement this function, in which we can select items from other sales orders of the customer.
Show Custom Button in Portal Listview Canvas
I have created a custom button that shows in a list view of deals (internally I can see it). I have permissions to allow this button on the portal. But it is not displaying in the canvas list? Before I do too much leg work, is this function allowed?
Zoho Sites "pages" management page
I have 80 plus pages on zoho sites. When I go to the "pages" link to view and edit pages, They are not in any kind of order, so I spend lots of time searching for pages when I need to edit or create new. How can I change the view order of all my pages
AI feature in Zoho Desk suggesting answers based on past ticket threads
Hi I would like to suggest something that would be very useful : instead of suggesting answers based on the Knowledge Base, I think it would be great if Zia could analyze the history of all customer and agents threads, to suggest answers in new tickets.
Advanced Customization of the Help Center using JavaScript
Hello everyone, The Help Center in Zoho Desk can be customized by using HTML and CSS to provide structure and enhance the page's appearance—but what if you want to add interactive and dynamic elements? You can add these effects with JavaScript, a programming
Introducing Zoho POS for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Hey everyone, We are excited to kick-start December with a completely personalized edition of POS for retail businesses in Saudi Arabia to help run your operations with ease. It offers four different subscription plans—Free, Standard, Professional, and
Unveiling Zoho Sites 2.0 - A new dimension in website building
Dear Zoho Sites Users, We are thrilled to announce the launch of Zoho Sites 2.0 today! This refresh represents a significant step forward in the capabilities of Zoho Sites and is crucial for creating a lasting and positive impact on our customers' businesses.
Script Editor not an option
I am trying to apply a script to a sheet and Script Editor is not an option. I don't want to go outside Sheets to do this (like Creator) if it can be done inside Sheets.
Not able to link email text.
Kindly check Zoho Sites. I am unable to turn a text into a email link. The save button does not work. Kindly try yourself to see it not responding to save.
Migrate data from old to new account
Hy, Have one Old Zoho Notebook Account with Data , want to migrate that whole Data to New Zoho Notebook Account which is in Zoho One . Is that possible ? If Yes then how?
Zoho Analytics Regex Support
When can we expect full regex support in Zoho Analytics SQL such as REGEXP_REPLACE? Sometimes I need to clean the data and using regex functions is the easiest way to achieve this.
Add Custom Reports To Dashboard or Home Tab
Hi there, I think it would be great to be able to add our custom reports to the Home Tab or Dashboards. Thanks! Chad
landed cost-need help with different currency under the same bill
I’m having trouble recording landed costs in Zoho Inventory/Books. My purchase order is in CNY, but the landed cost (freight) I pay is in USD. Zoho forces everything under the same bill to use one currency, so I can’t enter the landed cost in its actual
Pricing Strategies: #1 Nuances in Pricing
When Clara first opened her digital printing shop, pricing was simple. She sold handmade greeting cards, planners, business cards, and other physical items at fixed label prices, individually and in bulk. One SKU, one price, one bill, and that's all it
[Free Webinar] Learning Table Series – Education Management in Zoho Creator
Hello Everyone! We’re excited to invite you to another edition of Learning Table Series, where we showcase how Zoho Creator empowers industries with innovative and automated solutions. About the Learning Table Series The Learning Table Series is a free,
Move attachments from one module to another with Deluge
I have created a button that works just like the convert button for my custom modules. I would like this custom function to move any attachments in this record to the new module. I can't seem to find any documentation on how this can be accomplished.
Help in function code
Hi, could someone look at the code below and tell me what 's wrong with it? After a deal creation or edition the code should find the related Account, than all open Deals for that Account and copy the field Total_Open_Deals from the Account record to
Next Page