Kaizen #134 Manipulating Rich Text Field (RTF) using Zoho CRM APIs

Hello everyone!

Last week, we discussed Deciding on the type of applications: Self-client or Server-based? This week, we will discuss the Rich Text Field (RTF) and how we can manipulate RTF using Zoho CRM APIs.

In this post,

What is a Rich Text Field (RTF)?
Use case
Rich Text Field creation in a module using the Create Custom Field API
Adding values to the RTF using the Insert Records API
Fetch complete data of RTF using the GET - Rich Text Field API
Updating Rich Text Field using the Update Records API
Deleting RTF using the Delete Custom Field API
RTF using the COQL API
RTF using Bulk APIs

1. What is a Rich Text Field?

The Rich Text field is the preferred choice when there is a need for formatted text and a larger character limit. It can accommodate up to 50,000 characters, including HTML elements that are generated when the text is formatted, making it ideal for entries that require styling and organization, such as product descriptions or detailed client communications. Although tooltips can be added to improve user interaction, the rich text field does not support encryption or mandatory input settings.

Using rich text can improve the visual appeal of your information by providing different font styles, colors, and highlights. This allows for effective communication of important details. Bullet points and numbered lists can enhance readability, while bold, italics, or underlined texts can emphasize crucial information. Increased and decreased indents can help organize data, and the strikethrough feature can easily indicate changes or updates.

2. Use case

Consider Zylker, an org that uses Zoho CRM as their sales management system to store reports or feedback on its employees' sales performance report, total revenue, sales breakdown by product, key achievement, challenges faced, action plan, and to-do lists. These are stored in the multi-line field's rich text format type for better visuals and to identify the important information easily.

Let us see how to create RTFs using APIs, and how to access or update RTF using different available APIs. Note that the Rich Text type of multi-line field is supported from version 6.

3. Rich Text Field creation in a module using the Create Custom Field API

To create a rich text field in a module, first know the module's API name using the GET - Modules Metadata API, then create a custom RTF field in that module.

Request URL to create Rich Text Field :

{api-domain}/crm/v6/settings/fields?module=Employees

Request Method : POST

Sample Input :

{
"fields": [
{
"field_label": "Feedback",
"data_type": "textarea",
"length": 50000,
"textarea": {
"type": "rich_text"
},
"tooltip": {
"name": "static_text",
"value": "employee's feedback"
}
}
]
}

4. Adding values to the RTF using the Insert Records API

To add values to the created rich text field, you should know its API name.

Using the api_name of the Employees module, make a GET - Fields metadata API call to get the list of fields (along with their api_name) in the Employees module. Search for the field in which you need to add values to the Rich Text Field. In our case, it is Feedback.

Request URL : {api-domain}/crm/v6/Employees

Request Method : POST

Sample Input :

{
"data": [
{
"Company": "Zylker",
"Name" : "Patricia Boyle",
"Email": "patricia@zylker.com",
"State": "Texas",
"Feedback": "Sales Performance Report Salesperson Name: Patricia Reporting Period: Q1 2024 Total Sales Revenue Generated: $250,000 Sales Breakdown: <ul style=\"list-style-type:disc;list-style-position:inside;padding-inline-start:20px;\"><li style=\"color:rgb(51, 51, 51);\">Product A: $100,000</li><li style=\"color:rgb(51, 51, 51);\">Product B: $80,000</li><li style=\"color:rgb(51, 51, 51);\">Product C: $70,000</li></ul> Key Achievements: <ul style=\"list-style-type:disc;list-style-position:inside;padding-inline-start:20px;\"><li>Exceeded sales targets for Product A by 20%.</li><li style=\"color:rgb(51, 51, 51);\">Secured 5 new clients for Product B, contributing to a 25% increase in sales.</li><li style=\"color:rgb(51, 51, 51);\">Closed a high-value deal for Product C with a revenue of $50,000.</li></ul> Challenges Faced: <ul style=\"list-style-type:disc;list-style-position:inside;padding-inline-start:20px;\"><li style=\"color:rgb(51, 51, 51);\">Market competition intensified, resulting in longer sales cycles.</li><li style=\"color:rgb(51, 51, 51);\">Difficulty in accessing decision-makers for key accounts, leading to delays in closing deals.</li><li style=\"color:rgb(51, 51, 51);\">Some clients expressed concerns about pricing, requiring additional negotiation efforts.</li></ul> Action Plan: <ol style=\"list-style-type:decimal;list-style-position:inside;padding-inline-start:20px;\"><li style=\"color:rgb(51, 51, 51);\">Targeted Marketing Campaigns: Launch targeted marketing campaigns to increase brand visibility and attract potential clients.</li><li style=\"color:rgb(51, 51, 51);\">Enhanced Networking: Strengthen networking efforts to establish connections with decision-makers and key stakeholders.</li><li style=\"color:rgb(51, 51, 51);\">Client Retention Strategy: Implement a client retention strategy to address pricing concerns and ensure customer satisfaction.</li></ol> To-Do Lists : Continued focus on building strong client relationships, identifying new opportunities, and leveraging resources effectively to drive further sales growth in the upcoming quarters."
}
]
}

Notes:

If you enter incorrect API names for fields, the system will skip them and the record will be created successfully, but the values won't be added. This rule applies to RTF too.
When using the Insert Records API for bulk records creation and the Update Records API for bulk records update, you can add up to 50,000 characters to RTFs in each record.
For details on supported HTML tags and their attributes, refer to the help document.

The below GIF shows the result of the above input in the UI.

When you add values using HTML tags to the RTF via API, the input will be transformed into formatted data.

5. Fetch complete data of RTF using the Rich Text Field API

The Rich Text Field supports up to 50000 characters. Using the GET - Records API, you can fetch only the first 500 characters of the rich text field ('Feedback' in our case) in the response. If the @has_more property in the GET- Records response is true for the Rich Text Field (RTF) value, it indicates that the RTF contains more than 500 characters.

To fetch the entire data, we have introduced the GET - Rich Text Field API in V6, enabling the retrieval of complete data from rich text fields.

Below Sample shows how to fetch full data :

Request URL : {api-domain}/crm/v6/Employees/5725767000002594018/actions/fetch_full_data

Request Method : GET

Response :

6. Updating Rich Text Field using the Update Records API

Updating a rich text field doesn't require any special steps. It is similar to the process how we update other fields in a record, using the Update Records API.

7. Deleting RTF using the Delete Custom Field API

General notes :

Rich text fields are not supported in subforms, List View, Kanban View, Canvas View, Sheet View, Related Lists, Lookup popup, global search, filters and criteria, formula fields, report export, and integrations.
Rich text fields are not supported in the Search API.
Rich text fields are supported for importing and exporting records, using the Bulk APIs. The data will be exported as HTML content. For example, Patricia will be exported as Patricia.

8. Rich Text Field using the COQL API

Retrieve the Rich Text Fields from a module through a COQL query. Note that RTFs cannot be used in the criteria. Similar to the GET - Records API, the COQL API response fetches up to 500 characters of the RTFs. To fetch its complete data, use the GET - Rich Text Field API.

Request URL : https://www.zohoapis.com/crm/v6/coql

Request Method : POST

Sample Input :

{
"select_query":"select 'Feedback' from Employees where Company is not null"
}

Response :

9. Rich Text Field using Bulk APIs

Bulk Read API :

Bulk Read API allows you to fetch a large set of data i.e., you can fetch a maximum of 200,000 records in a single API call. You can export complete data of rich text fields in a module. Note that RTFs cannot be specified in the criteria.

Request URL: https://www.zohoapis.com/crm/bulk/v6/read

Request Method: POST

Sample input :

{

"callback": {

"url": "https://www.example.com/callback",

"method": "post"

"query": {

"module": {

"api_name": "Employees"

"file_type": "ics"

}

The Bulk Read API is an asynchronous API, the response will not be available instantly; the bulk read job is scheduled. Once the job is completed, it'll be notified in the callback URL. The records are available in a downloadable CSV file or ICS file (for events).

Below is a sample downloaded CSV file:

Unlike the GET - Records API, the Bulk Read API fetched the RTF's complete data.

See our Bulk Read API documentation to know how to view the status of the scheduled job and download the file in detail, along with more sample requests and responses.

Bulk Write API:

Bulk Write API allows you to insert, update, or upsert a large set of data. In the CSV file module, using the Bulk Write API, you can add up to 50000 characters to the RTFs for each record in a row.

Prepare your CSV file

The Bulk Write API only accepts a CSV file compressed into a ZIP file as input.

Below picture represents values added to the rich text field:

Please ZIP the CSV file once you add values to the Rich Text Field.

Upload your CSV file :

This involves making a POST API call, with the ZIP file containing the required data.

Headers

Header Name	Description
feature	bulk-write
X-CRM-ORG	Your zgid which you get from the Organization API

Request URL: https://content.zohoapis.com/crm/v6/upload

Request Method: POST

Create a bulk write job :

Request URL : {{api-domain}}/crm/bulk/v6/write

Request Method : POST

Sample Input for bulk insert :

{
"operation": "insert",
"ignore_empty": true,
"callback": {
"url": "https://example.zoho.com/test",
"method": "post"
},
"resource": [
{
"type": "data",
"module": {
"api_name": "Employees"
},
"file_id": "5725767000002613001",
"file_names": [
"Rich.csv"
],
"field_mappings": [
{
"api_name": "Name",
"index": 0
},
{
"api_name": "Feedback",
"index": 1
},
{
"api_name": "Company",
"index": 2
}
]
}
]
}

Refer to our Bulk Write API help document and get more information on how the Bulk Write API works, how to prepare your CSV file, and how to upload your CSV file, and how to check the job status.

We trust that this post meets your needs and is helpful. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section or reach out to us at support@zohocrm.com

Stay tuned for more insights in our upcoming Kaizen posts!

Cheers!

Previous Kaizen Post :

Kaizen #133 - Deciding on the type of applications: Self-client or Server-based?

Additional Reading :

API Help Documentation : Rich Text Field API
Kaizen Series
Knowledge Base Documentation

Join us for our upcoming Zoho CRM Developer Series: Zoho CRM APIs, where you can explore more about Zoho CRM APIs. Register Now!

Topic Participants
Subramanian K
Vigneshwaran K

Sticky Posts
Kaizen #152 - Client Script Support for the new Canvas Record Forms
Hello everyone! Have you ever wanted to trigger actions on click of a canvas button, icon, or text mandatory forms in Create/Edit and Clone Pages? Have you ever wanted to control how elements behave on the new Canvas Record Forms? This can be achieved
Kaizen #197: Frequently Asked Questions on GraphQL APIs
🎊 Nearing 200th Kaizen Post – We want to hear from you! Do you have any questions, suggestions, or topics you would like us to cover in future posts? Your insights and suggestions help us shape future content and make this series better for everyone.
Kaizen #198: Using Client Script for Custom Validation in Blueprint
Nearing 200th Kaizen Post – 1 More to the Big Two-Oh-Oh! Do you have any questions, suggestions, or topics you would like us to cover in future posts? Your insights and suggestions help us shape future content and make this series better for everyone.
Celebrating 200 posts of Kaizen! Share your ideas for the milestone post
Hello Developers, We launched the Kaizen series in 2019 to share helpful content to support your Zoho CRM development journey. Staying true to its spirit—Kaizen Series: Continuous Improvement for Developer Experience—we've shared everything from FAQs
Kaizen #193: Creating different fields in Zoho CRM through API
🎊 Nearing 200th Kaizen Post – We want to hear from you! Do you have any questions, suggestions, or topics you would like us to cover in future posts? Your insights and suggestions help us shape future content and make this series better for everyone.

Recent Topics
Remove System Defined Ticket Layout
Hi ZohoDesk, I have created a new Ticket Layout and made it the default and I want to remove the original default one so there is only one to choose from. It won't allow me to do this, or go into the options and take the tick out of the show in Help Center.
ZOHOLICS Japan 2025 開催のお知らせ
ユーザーの皆さまこんにちは、Zoho コミュニティチームの中野です。年に一度の自社最大イベント、「ZOHOLICS Japan 2025」（ゾーホリクス）の開催が決定しましたので、こちらでお知らせします。今年の開催回は、特別ゲストやZoho のエキスパートが、最新のDX事情や皆さまのビジネスプロセス改善、業績アップのヒントとなる情報をお届けします。 Zoho コミュニティからは、Zoho Championの西尾さん（@西尾　真言）、コミュニティアンバサダープログラム（ZCAP）メンバーの箕輪さんにご登壇いただき、
Unable to connect Zoho Learn to other Zoho Tools
Hello Zoho, Can you work on Zoho Learn. I am unable to connect it with other Zoho tools like Zoho people or even Zoho SalesiQ. This is needed, especially if I am connect Ai to my systems. Please work on connecting your applications better, especially
Chatbot for Urdu language
Hello, I have successfully set up Zoho Desk and integrated it with Moodle using ASAP. I am now looking for a chatbot that supports the Urdu language to enhance student support. My goal is to enable the chatbot within ASAP so that students can ask questions,
Multi Level Hierarchical Query
Hi guys I have a situation where i am trying to extract the descendants of a particular entry. So long story short, i have the Account table with Agency (A) id = 1, and that has child Agency (B) id = 2. This child agency (B) has a child agency (C) id
AI-Powered Grouping and Tagging of Related Issues and Tasks in Zoho Projects
Dear Zoho Projects Team, Greetings, We would like to suggest a feature that would greatly enhance how we manage feature requests and bug reports submitted through the Zoho Desk to Zoho Projects integration. Use Case: Our support agents handle customer
How to change side bar from dark mode to light mode?
The side bar on the left side in workdrive doesn't appear to have a way to fix it from dark mode - is there a way to? I can't read in dark mode without excessive headaches, and I would really like to be able to see while I have workdrive open, as workdrive
How to see history on Bulk send of Customer Statements
Hi, We bulk send statements to customers every month via Books - every month we have customers emailing requesting a statement. Currently I have no visibility on if a customer was sent the statement or not and if our process is being followed or overlooked
Guided Conversations - Ticket Creation
Hi there, Using Guided Conversations to Take Customer Data and apply it into a Support Ticket for internal use, Is there a way to take multiple Textual Variables Inputs (A series of questions), and have the answers all appear in the Description of the
How to add buttons elements in the Header
I am trying to add CTA (Call to Action) buttons in the right side of the main navigation menu. This is a common practice for sites but I can't seem to figure this out for Zoho Sites. Is there a custom workflow that could be shared with me?
Automatic back up - Zoho Recruit, books, people,crm, analytics
Hello, Has anyone found a good way of automatically backing up Zoho (CRM, expense, recruit, people, books, analytics).? I have found with tool that does, but it doesn't include recruit or analytics It's a bit annoying and time consuming having to go to
delete departments on zoho desk
I created test departments on zoho desk. how can i delete them now?
Validation, checking if a file has been attached to the ticket
A very useful option would be to allow checking, under specific conditions, whether the user has attached a file to the application, e.g., a bug report. Some applications require files to be attached, and the system could enforce this after the system
AI & Zoho Recruit
Hello, I guess we all are using AI in our personal and professional lives. Now, let's imagine. Recruitment is just a succession of stages and steps. For which step would you like to see AI implemented into Zoho Recruit ? I'll start : - Automatic translation
Zoho Flow not handling Boolean properly
Hi, I have a checkbox in one system that I'm trying to sync with a checkbox in Zoho CRM. The value from the source system comes in as blank (unticked) or 1 (ticked). I've written the following custom function to convert the output to either boolean false
Quotes Module - import data
Hello Zoho, is it possible to import Quotes records? I was trying and i have no results. Raport shows no data imported. Could you help me please how to do it?
Balance Sheet - Zoho Analytics
Hi Team, I’m looking to implement a feature that captures the conversion rate based on the filters applied. By default, it should fetch the most recent conversion rate, and when a filter (such as a timeline filter) is applied, it should return the conversion
files sent will not open for recipient
work files (done in writer) which previously opened will not open for the recipient
How to Print the Data Model Zoho CRM
I have created the data model in Zoho CRM and I want the ability to Print this. How do we do this please? I want the diagram exported to a PDF. There doesnt appear to be an option to do this. Thanks Andrew
Cisco Webex Calling Intergration
Hi Guys, Our organisation is looking at a move from Salesforce to Zoho. We have found there is no support for Cisco Webex Calling however? Is there a way to enable this or are there any apps which can provide this? Thanks!
Migration of Mails from Pipedrive
Hi, so far the migration from Pipedrive to ZOHO works pretty good. For full completeness of the migration we miss all the mails linked to Deals, Contacts, Customers, ... What possibilities do we have to have Pipedrive fully migrated to ZOHO? Best Regards,
Published sheets don't work anymore
Hi, Published sheets don't work anymore. The display of values is very very slow and calculations are not displayed at all. Thanks!
WorkDrive TrueSync for macOS 26 (Tahoe) Beta
Hello everyone, With Apple unveiling the macOS 26 (Tahoe) Beta, we know many of you are eager to explore the latest features and enhancements. We’re excited to support your enthusiasm! As part of our commitment to delivering seamless cross-platform experiences,
Limited layout rules in a module
There is a limit of 10 layout rules per module. Is there a way to get that functionality through different customization or workflow + custom function (easily accessible), etc. Having just 10 is limiting especially if module contains a lot of data. Are
#1 Zoho Billing vs. Zoho Books: Which one should I choose?
Managing your business finances isn't just about sending invoices. It's about keeping everything organized, accurate, and moving towards your organization's goals. At Zoho, we understand the complexity, which is why we offer two powerful yet distinct
Is Zoho tables still being developed?
Has this product been abandoned? I haven't seen any useful new features or stability improvements over the past six months or more. I think Tables is a great concept, filling a niche between spreadsheets and full database tools, but the current implementation
How to connect oracle ADW with Analytics
I want to add Oracle ADW as a data source in Zoho Analytics, but I couldn't find any relevant documentation. Can anyone suggest how to do it, or let me know if it's even possible? Thanks!!
RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) Type Q+A Environment with Zoho Learn
Hi All, Given the ability of Zoho Learn to function as a knowledge base / document repository type solution and given the rapid advancements that Zoho is making with Zia LLM, agentic capabilities etc. (not to mention the rapid progress in the broader
add attachments to automated emails?
Hi, I'm looking for a way to have documents saved under an account, be grabbed and sent to an email address once a specific status has been updated. For example we have a tab we've labeled as sales orders, when the status is changed to shipped, it emails the customer the tracking number and estimated delivery date. I'd like it to also grab pdf docs (COA, BOL, etc) from that order and send in that email. Currently we have to go into zoho change the status to shipped, then email all the docs to
[Action Required] Zendesk - Zoho Analytics integration requires re-authentication
Dear Zendesk integration users, Zendesk is transitioning to a new OAuth model that uses refresh tokens for improved security and stability (read more). As a result, all Zendesk users in Zoho Analytics must re-authenticate their Zendesk connections on
Rerun Migration?
I migrated a mailbox a few days ago, but didn't do the cutover on the MX records until today. How can I rerun the migration to sync the mailboxes? The old account has had a fair amount of activity since the first migration. I am used to other systems
طلب حذف الدومين والمؤسسة من حساب zoho
السلام عليكم، أود طلب حذف الدومين التالي من حسابي في Zoho، حيث لا يظهر لي خيار الحذف في لوحة التحكم: اسم الدومين: hudajstore.com البريد المرتبط: [contact@hudajstore.com] علمًا بأنني المسؤول عن المؤسسة، ولا أستخدم الدومين حاليًا، وأرغب في إلغاء ربطه وحذف
Microsoft Outlook Add-in Update: Enhancing Efficiency for Recruiters
We've released an update to the Zoho Recruit Microsoft Outlook Add-in, which brings a host of features designed to streamline your recruiting process and boost productivity. Let's delve into the details: Associate Emails with records in Zoho Recruit You
New integration: Zoho Books + Zoho Forms
Hello Zoho Forms community! We are thrilled to announce the addition of another integration that brings speed and efficiency to your financial workflows. Zoho Forms can now be integrated with Zoho Books! Here’s a quick rundown on Zoho Books! For anyone
Witness Sign - Automation with Zoho Creator
Hi there, I used to be able do automatically send a Zoho Sign document from Zoho Creator where each signer had one witness. The action code was as follows for each signer and witness: // CLIENT eachActionMap1 = Map(); eachActionMap1.put("signing_order","1");
Announcing: custom color palette + free workshop
Hello everyone, We're excited to share new feature in Zoho Bookings—a color palette within booking page themes. You'll find this option under Manage Bookings > Workspaces > Booking Page Themes. You can customize the color of every element in your booking page and even alter the transparency of your background image. Please note that this is a paid feature included in the Basic and Premium plans. At the moment, it's available only under the Modern Web theme. This means you can create billions (7,
Removing To or CC Addresses from Desk Ticket
I was hoping i could find a way to remove unnecessary email addresses from tickets submitted via email. For example, a customer may email the support address AND others who are in the helpdesk notification group, in either the TO or CC address. This results
Ability to Export Field Dependency Structure in Zoho Desk
Hi Zoho Team, We’d like to request a feature enhancement in Zoho Desk that would greatly improve configuration management for organizations like ours: Requested Feature: The ability to export the full structure of Field Dependencies, especially for multi-level
[URGENT] Allow reorder (drag&drop) of subform record
Very simple user case: a wedding planning app where you want to send your client a form to fill with information about their wedding. Form includes some field for general purpose information and a subform for event pacing/schedule. Clients are invited to create a new row (When? - What? - Where? - Who?) for each thing happening during their wedding chronologically. Ex: When What 10h Something TBD Speech After speech Yet another thing happening
Departments in Zoho
I'm trying to set up a department. It looks like Departments have been removed from Zoho One. Is there another option? We have our main account setup, but want to set up a separate small department that can't see our tabs.
Next Page

Kaizen #134 Manipulating Rich Text Field (RTF) using Zoho CRM APIs

Kaizen #134 Manipulating Rich Text Field (RTF) using Zoho CRM APIs

1. What is a Rich Text Field?

2. Use case

3. Rich Text Field creation in a module using the Create Custom Field API

4. Adding values to the RTF using the Insert Records API

5. Fetch complete data of RTF using the Rich Text Field API

6. Updating Rich Text Field using the Update Records API

7. Deleting RTF using the Delete Custom Field API

8. Rich Text Field using the COQL API

9. Rich Text Field using Bulk APIs

Topic Participants

Subramanian K

Vigneshwaran K

Sticky Posts

Kaizen #152 - Client Script Support for the new Canvas Record Forms

Kaizen #197: Frequently Asked Questions on GraphQL APIs

Kaizen #198: Using Client Script for Custom Validation in Blueprint

Celebrating 200 posts of Kaizen! Share your ideas for the milestone post

Kaizen #193: Creating different fields in Zoho CRM through API

Recent Topics

Remove System Defined Ticket Layout

ZOHOLICS Japan 2025 開催のお知らせ

Unable to connect Zoho Learn to other Zoho Tools

Chatbot for Urdu language

Multi Level Hierarchical Query

AI-Powered Grouping and Tagging of Related Issues and Tasks in Zoho Projects

How to change side bar from dark mode to light mode?

How to see history on Bulk send of Customer Statements

Guided Conversations - Ticket Creation

How to add buttons elements in the Header

Automatic back up - Zoho Recruit, books, people,crm, analytics

delete departments on zoho desk

Validation, checking if a file has been attached to the ticket

AI & Zoho Recruit

Zoho Flow not handling Boolean properly

Quotes Module - import data

Balance Sheet - Zoho Analytics

files sent will not open for recipient

How to Print the Data Model Zoho CRM

Cisco Webex Calling Intergration

Migration of Mails from Pipedrive

Published sheets don't work anymore

WorkDrive TrueSync for macOS 26 (Tahoe) Beta

Limited layout rules in a module

#1 Zoho Billing vs. Zoho Books: Which one should I choose?

Is Zoho tables still being developed?

How to connect oracle ADW with Analytics

RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) Type Q+A Environment with Zoho Learn

add attachments to automated emails?

[Action Required] Zendesk - Zoho Analytics integration requires re-authentication

Rerun Migration?

طلب حذف الدومين والمؤسسة من حساب zoho

Microsoft Outlook Add-in Update: Enhancing Efficiency for Recruiters

New integration: Zoho Books + Zoho Forms

Witness Sign - Automation with Zoho Creator

Announcing: custom color palette + free workshop

Removing To or CC Addresses from Desk Ticket

Ability to Export Field Dependency Structure in Zoho Desk

[URGENT] Allow reorder (drag&drop) of subform record

Departments in Zoho

Next Page