No Ability to Rename Record Template PDFs in SendMail Task

No Ability to Rename Record Template PDFs in SendMail Task

As highlighted previously in this post, we still have to deal with the limitation of not being able to rename a record template when sent as a PDF using the SendMail Task. This creates unnecessary complexity for what should be a simple operation, and I'm hoping the Zoho team can address this in a future update.

The Issue
According to the official SendMail documentation, you can attach Record Templates as PDFs using the following syntax:
sendmail
[
    from: zoho.adminuserid
    to: input.customer_email
    subject: "Invoice"
    message: "Please find your invoice attached"
    Attachments: template:Invoice_Template:Form_Name record_id as PDF
]
However, the PDF filename is automatically generated based on the template name and cannot be customized or renamed programmatically.

The Problem
When clients require specific PDF naming conventions (e.g., "ClientName_Invoice_2024.pdf" instead of "Invoice_Template.pdf"), there is no straightforward solution.
Workaround Approach Implementation Problems Status
Manual Export User exports PDF manually and uploads to file field - Not acceptable for automated workflows
- Defeats purpose of automation
- Poor user experience
✗ Not viable for production
Email-to-Form API Send PDF to another form, fetch via GET API, rename, then send - Does NOT work "On Add → On Success"
- Timing/race condition issues
- Only works manually updating record
- Requires additional forms and complexity
✗ Unreliable without delays
Scheduled Workaround Use scheduled task to trigger GET request and rename - Introduces unnecessary delays
- Overcomplicated for simple task
- Requires schedule management
⚠ Works but highly inefficient
Example of Current Complexity
To accomplish what should be a simple filename rename, developers must implement this convoluted workaround:
// STEP 1: Send PDF to intermediate form via email
sendmail
[
    from: zoho.adminuserid
    to: "capture_form@creator.zoho.com"
    subject: "Temp PDF"
    Attachments: template:Invoice_Template:Form_Name record_id as PDF
]

// STEP 2: Schedule a task (not immediate!)
// Wait for email to process...

// STEP 3: Fetch the file via API
file_response = invokeUrl
[
    url: api_endpoint
    type: GET
    connection: "creator_connection"
];

// STEP 4: Rename using setFileName
file_response.setFileName("CustomFileName.pdf");

// STEP 5: Finally send with renamed file
sendmail
[
    from: zoho.adminuserid
    to: input.customer_email
    subject: "Invoice"
    Attachments: file:file_response
]
This entire process requires:
  • Additional form creation
  • API connection setup
  • Schedule configuration
  • Complex error handling
What Should Happen Instead
Proposed Solution: Add a simple filename parameter to the SendMail attachment syntax:
sendmail
[
    from: zoho.adminuserid
    to: input.customer_email
    subject: "Invoice"
    Attachments: template:Invoice_Template:Form_Name record_id as PDF filename:"Custom_Name.pdf"
]
Or allow variable-based naming:
pdf_name = input.Client_Name + "_Invoice_" + input.Invoice_Number + ".pdf";

sendmail
[
    from: zoho.adminuserid
    to: input.customer_email
    subject: "Invoice"
    Attachments: template:Invoice_Template:Form_Name record_id as PDF filename:pdf_name
]
This single parameter would eliminate hours of workaround development and make PDF naming consistent with client requirements.
Real-World Impact
This limitation affects any business process requiring:
  • Branded invoices with client-specific naming conventions
  • Compliance documents with standardized filename formats (e.g., "CompanyName_ISO_Certificate_2024.pdf")
  • Automated reports sent to clients who need predictable filenames for their filing systems
  • Quote/proposal systems where filename needs to include reference numbers
  • Any professional service where PDF naming impacts client experience

Developer Impact: What should take 30 seconds (adding a filename parameter) instead requires hours of workaround implementation, creating technical debt and maintenance overhead.

Request to Zoho Team

Can this be addressed in a future update?

This is a frequently requested feature that impacts professional presentation and client satisfaction. The current implementation forces developers to choose between:

1. Default Naming
Accept generic template-based filenames that don't meet client requirements
2. Complex Workarounds
Spend hours implementing unreliable solutions with scheduled tasks and API calls

We shouldn't have to make this choice for such a basic requirement.

Community Input Requested: Has anyone else encountered this limitation or found a more reliable workaround? This has been an ongoing frustration, and I know many developers would benefit from a native solution.


📚 Documentation References:

    • Recent Topics

    • Export Tickets from the Help Center

      Hello everyone! We are now allowing end users to export tickets directly from the help center. The ticket export allows users to: Filter tickets by Department, Priority, and Account before exporting. Download files from Export History (Setup > Data administration
    • Is it possible to remove filtering options?

      My CRM has a lot of custom fields that should not be used in filters or views. Fields that are automated and exist only to store temporary values that get used in functions. These create a lot of noise in the list of fields to filter. Isn't there any
    • Function #18: Associate invoice templates automatically based on customer language

      For businesses dealing with a diverse linguistic clientele, it becomes crucial to send out invoices in the customer's preferred language to ensure effective communication. This requirement can be handled in Zoho Books by creating invoice templates in
    • Changing field types

      Question im a Zoho CRM user and curious, if I change a flied type from single or multi line text to a URL field type will i lose the data in the field or will it be converted to website link automatically. Thanks
    • Quote PDF – Header image stopped rendering suddenly

      Hello Zoho Support Team, We are facing an issue with Quote PDF templates in Zoho Books. Previously, images added inside the Quote header HTML were rendering correctly. However, recently the header image is no longer appearing, while header text still
    • Changing Default PDF Name

      Is it possible to change the default name of a PDF? As of right now, all of my quotes are named 'QT_$QuoteNumber' (i,e: 'QT_19803471298374) - would it be possible to change this to: '$CompanyName - $AccountName - $QuoteNumber' for instance?
    • Tip 2: Recursive functions in Deluge: How to dynamically run a function for a specified number of times.

      Hi folks, As part of the Zoho Creator - Tips and Tricks series every fortnight, we are back today with a new tip on Recursive functions.  Let us first quickly understand what Recursive functions are: A function that calls itself one or more times is known as a Recursive function. That is, you can execute a function to perform a particular action a specific number of times. And, at the end of each iteration, a new output is generated. Recursive functions are commonly used by programmers as it enables
    • Function #48: Manage fixed installment payments using Zoho Books

      Hello everyone, and welcome back to our series! Businesses offer installment payment options to their customers, particularly for expensive purchases, to ease the financial burden on them. By breaking down the total cost into smaller, more manageable
    • Spotlight series #6: The Show app for Android TV has a new look!

      Hello everyone! We are delighted to introduce our revamped and redesigned Show app for Android TV.  Smart TVs are exploding in popularity. Android TV alone has over 110 million active monthly devices. Zoho Show, as part of a constant effort to improve
    • Can’t create alias “Email alias already exists”

      Hi, I’m trying to create the following alias for my domain email. contact@ personal@ private@ But I get a email alias already exists. I had a soho account previously which I deleted which I suspect is causing the issue. Can someone assist? Kind Rega
    • Appraisals - Order of Previous Reviews Should Be Newest to Oldest

      The new Zoho People layout generally does a decent job at providing the necessary information for performing appraisals of employee performance. One example of this is the Previous Reviews section: This information is helpful when conducting a review.
    • Paging through API results. a major gap in your documentation.

      There is no way for me. to get all of my data through a single API call. Typically REST APis have mechanisms for paging through API results. But the documentation for the API I am using: https://desk.zoho.com/DeskAPIDocument#Introduction Has no mention
    • Recurring invoices were generated with old template...

      I have recurring invoices setup. Ones generated on 10.20.2025 used the modified template I had used. But for some reason, on the ones created on 11/20/2025, it seems the invoices created reverted to the previous version of the invoice template. Notably,
    • Tip #54- Exploring the Files Icon in Zoho Assist- 'Insider Insights'

      As we’re already in mid-December, it’s a good time to take a closer look at one of the most useful options in the Zoho Assist remote support dashboard—the Files icon. To get started, log in to Zoho Assist using your credentials. Once you’re in, navigate
    • Tip#47: Estimation planner

      Sprint planning becomes easier, smoother, more collaborative and more accurate with the Estimation Planner extension. Most work items involve multiple users, and each user's role and effort vary. To provide an unbiased and fair estimation point to the
    • Time Tracking on Iphone doesn't stop

      When I start a time tracking session the timer starts as expected. However when I hit stop, the timer remains on that project. The only buttons available are discard and start. Start runs the timer more and discard says it will throw away the data from
    • Zoho Sign - Zoho CRM extension upgrade

      Hi everyone, We've updated Zoho Sign extension for Zoho CRM with significant internal changes. Impact on existing Zoho Sign extension users Users using the extension without customization If you are using the integration without implementing Zoho Sign's
    • Group by Owner/ Owner Kanban /Group by Custom Field

      Hi, We are missing the option of viewing Tasks grouped by their owner, as it is an essential function for us to manage our employees' working tasks. We find it hard to inspect what are the tasks that our employees are working on.  We are seeking an option
    • Flow using way too many tasks

      I built a flow that is using way too many tasks for what it is doing. I reached out to support a week ago but never heard back so hoping the community can help. Does a filter count as a task? I am seeing tons of records filtered with < 1 Sec Time Taken
    • Regarding the integration of Apollo.io with Zoho crm.

      I have been seeing for the last 3 months that your Apollo.io beta version is available in Zoho Flow, and this application has not gone live yet. We requested this 2 months ago, but you guys said that 'we are working on it,' and when we search on Google
    • Start Workflow from Deluge Script

      I have developed a customized process from our CRM that leverages a deluge script to create a statement of work document. Once the document has been created via the merge and store function, I would like the ability to start a workdrive review & approve
    • Saved Sections?

      In sites editor, the + button reveals options to add a section, element, etc. It includes Saved Sections, but I can find no way to save a section I've already created. Otherwise, is there a way to copy a section from one page to another?
    • Marketer's Space: Unable to select a sender address? Here's the fix

      Hello Marketers, Welcome back to yet another post! So you've added a sender address in Zoho Campaigns and later found that you're not able to select it while creating an email campaign. Has this ever happened to you? If so, don't worry—you're not alone.
    • Loading Project Balances in ZOHO Books for each project

      Hello, What is the best method for loading project balances actual and budget into ZOHO books to provide tracking to our project managers. We have projects and federal awards (also treated as projects) which span multiple years. We are converting from
    • Scale up your writing style with content analysis tool in Knowledge Base

      Hello everyone, Sometimes writers may have strong knowledge about the subject but may find it challenging to articulate clearly or produce comprehensible, jargon free content. To make the process easier and to ensure consistent, high-quality articles,
    • Zoho Books "Update" Trigger for Zapier?

      Hi Zoho Team, I've been in talks with Zapier about using their services to connect my Zoho Books account to various apps, but I require an additional trigger beyond the "New" trigger. I require an "Update" trigger, which will allow me to filter and create Zaps only when certain conditions are fulfilled on the Zoho Books end before I automate a separate app. Specifically this will help me create invoices in QuickBooks Online only when payments are recorded in Zoho Books, rather than when a new invoice
    • How to prevent editing of closed tickets in Zoho Desk?

      I would like to confirm whether it is possible to completely prevent agents from editing tickets once their status is set to Closed. Is there any configuration, permission, or best practice in Zoho Desk to ensure that closed tickets remain read-only and
    • Zoho Desk Limitations

      Good day, all, I would like to know whether others share my frustration with some of Zoho's limitations. Don't get me wrong, I like Desk (and I also have a subscription for Analytics), I have been with them for close to 10 years, and unfortunately, I
    • New Mandatory One-Click Unsubscribe Link Overshadowing Custom Unsubscribe Link

      I was recently informed by Zoho CRM Support that they are now mandated by the large email service providers like Google and Yahoo to provide a one-click unsubscribe option in the header (not the body) of all mass emails. I have a custom unsubscribe link
    • how to undoreconciled transaction

      how to undo reconciled transaction
    • Service Title in Service Report Template Builder

      I am currently working on the Service Report Template Builder in Zoho FSM. I have created three separate service report templates for different workflows: Preventive Maintenance Report Requested Service Report Installation Report My issue is that I cannot
    • Zoho Sign for Zoho Projects

      Documents authorization and validation with signature is now easier in project management with Zoho Projects' Zoho Sign extension. Sign documents or send them for signatures directly from tasks and issues using Zoho Sign extension in Zoho Projects. Extension
    • Deluge Learning Series – Best Practices in Deluge | December 2025

      We’re excited to bring you the next session of the Deluge Learning Series, focused entirely on writing cleaner, faster, and more reliable Deluge code. In this edition, we’ll dive deep into the essential best practices every Deluge developer should follow
    • Associate a Contact to a Campaign using deluge?

      If I want to add one record to another related list, which zoho function do I use? zoho.updateRelatedRecord is not it I don't think.  I simply want to take a "Contact" and associate it to a "Campaign" using deluge.  Can anyone help? contactId = 5122008000000796037;
    • Add "Groups" above "Users" in the Zoho Forms Left Menu

      Hi, We have Groups but you have to go to a Form and Share or use the Directory App to manage them, please add "Groups" above "Users" in the Zoho Forms Left Menu so you can manage them in 1 place within Zoho Forms too. Thanks Dan
    • Zoho Books | Product updates | October 2025

      Hello users, We’ve rolled out new features and enhancements in Zoho Books. From iOS 26 updates to viewing reports as charts, explore the updates designed to enhance your bookkeeping experience. Zoho Books Updates for Apple Devices At WWDC 2025, Apple
    • Adding Taxes to paid consultations in Zoho Bookings

      I created a 'paid' consultation under Zoho Booking and integrated it with payment gateways for online/instant payment before a booking is done. How can I add 'taxes' to the price of consultation? I can add taxes to other Zoho apps (liks Books, Checkout,
    • Zoho CRM Reports Module on Mobil App

      I have the mobile app and the reports module doesn't appear in the sidebar for some reason. I saw a Youtube video where the user had the Reports module on mobile. Is there a setting to show it on mobile? Thanks.
    • Inquiry on Help Centre Tab Customisation

      Hi Zoho team, I’m wondering if it’s possible to further customise the Help Center tabs, specifically the descriptions under Knowledge Base, Community, and Tickets. While the current setup allows customising tab names, being able to tailor the descriptions
    • Passing a form object to a function

      Suppose I have a sort_order field in multiple tables and I want to increment it by +1 onCreate of a new record. Is there a way to pass the form object as an argument into the function to keep things DRY? The following function from Zia works, but I'd
    • Next Page