The Canvas module view gets an exciting face-lift

The Canvas module view gets an exciting face-lift

 Announcement moderated on: 4th July,2023

The Canvas module view revamp has been successfully opened for all users in all DCs today. 

Dear All, 

We hope you're well!


When it comes to business productivity, data organization and accessibility play a crucial role. However, given the reality of a growing business, maintaining a tidy dataset is an uphill battle. For this reason, Zoho CRM enables you to index your data in three systematic module views: list view, Kanban view, and canvas view. While each serves a distinct purpose, today we're here to announce a revamp of our existing canvas view.  We're thrilled to talk about it. Let's go!

We're replacing our legacy canvas module view editor with our bespoke Canvas builder.

The all-new Canvas builder is a powerful design suite loaded with sophisticated design elements. True to its name, Canvas is a versatile and highly customizable tool; you can add a range of components to each canvas you create—like your business logo, images, or icons—and apply interactive styling that puts the right emphasis on the most important information.

Now, how does this revamp benefit a CRM user?

The module view serves as the face of your database; it's the first thing a user looks at upon entering a module. The new Canvas revamp not only enables you to design the aesthetic of your database, but also amplifies the user experience and adoption among your employees. It allows you to:
  • Personalize your CRM to match your brand guidelines.
  • Enhance data accessibility and user productivity.
  • Complement your module view designs with that of the designs in your record details page.
  • Create a memorable customer experience when extended through client portals.
Here's a quick comparison of the outputs of the legacy canvas module view versus the new canvas module view:

In addition to upgrading the canvas view builder, this revamp also comes with new module views to accommodate different types of data.

New views in Canvas 

We understand every business accumulates different types of data that requires distinct representations for better comprehension, so we've come up with three types of Canvas module views. 

Custom list view

The custom list view is a horizontal stack of your records that offers sufficient space to accommodate vital information without clutter. With elements like sections and lines, you can organize your data within the expanse of the template, giving prominence to each data type. You can also hide or show labels to make more efficient use of the template space. 


Tile view 

The tile view makes records look like business cards. Much like a product lineup, the tile view arranges your records from left to right, and you can set tiles to be a square or rectangle. This view is a great way to showcase your records in one glance.  

Table view 

The table view is an extension of the standard list view, which is a simple tabulation of record information. You can keep the entire view in one color or alternate colors between rows. This view is best for displaying simple factual information like inventory, invoices, and so on. 

About the new Canvas builder 

The Canvas builder is straightforward to use. You can choose designs from the gallery or build from scratch.

Components of the builder 

The Canvas builder for module views comes with three fundamental components: 

Data
The data component contains all the fields, buttons, and links applicable to the module.
Example: Lead name, email ID, record owner, and so on.

Elements
Elements help you classify and organize your data via images, lines, tables, sections, text boxes, buttons, and icons.
Example: Your logo is an image element that will appear throughout all record items.

Styles
Styles contain formatting options for your data. You can ascribe colors, font types, font sizes, borders, padding, and radiuses, according to your preferences.

Managing canvas templates 

Only administrators and users with "manage custom view" permissions can create and manage canvas templates for an organization. Creations are present in a list view under Setup > Customization > Canvas > List view, where you can edit, clone, delete, preview, rename, activate, or deactivate templates. You can also define criteria and manage canvas rules from the same page. 
 

Edition availability and limits 

The legacy Canvas editor was available only for organizations using Enterprise and Ultimate editions. Thanks to this revamp, we've extended the new builder to organizations in Standard and Professional editions as well.
Here are the edition-based limits for each view: 


If you'd like to downgrade (say, from Enterprise to Professional), only three templates will stay activated for each view, removing the ability to activate/deactivate the rest of your creations. The same will apply when downgrading to the Standard edition.
 

Important points to note:

  • While we've provided most design capabilities, native features like reusable components and presets and Client scripts are not available in this first release. We are, however, working on these features and you can expect them soon.
  • The legacy canvas editor enabled individual CRM users to create and manage templates all by themselves. Now, upon revamping the console, the following points are true:
    • We will migrate your templates to the new builder without affecting the designs you've created.
    • All the personal design templates created earlier by users and shared among peers will be publicly available under the Canvas list view tab. Admins or users with "manage custom view" permissions can choose to enable or disable this. If the former designs are enabled, they will be enabled for all users in the organization.
    • Users without these permissions—even though they might be the original owner or creator of a design—will not be able to view or edit the designs.
 
That's all for the Canvas module view revamp. For more information on how to create canvas templates, business scenarios, and tips, kindly read our help document Customizing Module View Using the all-new Canvas design suite. 

Thanks and have a good one!

Kind Regards, 
Saranya Balasubramanian

    • Recent Topics

    • Updating custom fields in Zoho Projects

      Hi I am wondering if anyone has experience with custom fields in Zoho Projects. I am struggling to update the field using either deluge or the api endpoint. My code is: //custom_Map = map(); custom_Map = {"UDF_DOUBLE_1":"0.27"}; update_Map = map(); update_Map.put("custom_fields",custom_Map.toList());

    • Markdown for Desk?

      Hi, my company wants to use markdown for formatting text in Desk (in all modules there, especially Tickets and Helpcenter). Zoho already offers use of markdown in several products (see https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/kb/backstage/microsite-guide/formatting-with-markdown/articles/formatting-with-markdo)

    • Change Currency symbol

      I would like to change the way our currency displays when printed on quotes, invoices and purchase orders. Currently, we have Australian Dollars AUD as our Home Currency. The only two symbol choices available for this currency are "AU $" or "AUD". I would

    • Calendar not working

      Are we the only ones. On any browser we cannot click on any of our calendar appointments and get them to open. They just make the browser loop. WE have reached out and have been told they are working on it. The office staff are really stuck. The point

    • Tip of the week #16 - Search and filter threads based on criteria

      Zoho TeamInbox lets you search and filter threads with any information that you have about the thread. You just have to input the criteria and Zoho TeamInbox will list all the threads that match the condition.   Firstly, there is a global search you can

    • WhatsApp Message Template Quick Reply Buttons

      Hello, I created my first Message Template to overcome the 24-hr messaging window and it was approved by WhatsApp/Meta. When I go to Meta, I also see that template brought from Zoho Desk, and used it via Zoho Desk IM. However, I notice that when in Meta's

    • Account in Quick View Filter

      I have a report that I often run against a specific Account. Every time, I have to go into the edit menu and change the Advanced Filter. I would prefer to use the Quick View Filter, but it does not allow me to use the one and only field that makes any

    • Collapsible Sections & Section Navigation Needed

      The flexibility of Zoho CRM has expanded greatly in the last few years, to the point that a leads module is now permissible to contain up to 350 fields. We don't use that many, but we are using 168 fields which are broken apart into 18 different sections.

    • Set Display for Numbers/Currency/etc with Client Script/Customization in Canvas List Page

      Is it possible to set a display mask for a number/currency field using Client Script or customization? I have custom fields that I would like to keep the decimal places for calculation purposes, but do not need them displayed to the user. So 101.3568

    • 136.143.188.51 blocked by spamcop

      Zoho mailserver seems to be blocked by spamcop. Cant send mail to my customer. Not sure what to do.

    • 🚀 WorkDrive 5.0: Evolving from a file sharing app to an intelligent content management platform: Phase 2

      Hello everyone, WorkDrive's primary focus has always been to provide an intelligent and secure content management platform, simplify collaboration, and be the central repository of files for all Zoho apps. In our previous announcement, we unveiled the

    • Sync desktop folders instantly with WorkDrive TrueSync (Beta)

      Keeping your important files backed up and accessible has never been easier! With WorkDrive desktop app (TrueSync), you can now automatically sync specific desktop folders to WorkDrive Web, ensuring seamless, real-time updates across devices. Important:

    • I'm unable to send mail pthrough Zoho SMTP programmatically

      This has been working for years, but today it's been offline all day long. I see nothing anywhere on your site about this. I'm not the only one experiencing this. Downdetector has a spike of reports today

    • i keep see there is a connetion issue connecting 3rd party api on zoho when using zia

      hi there , i have set up open ai api to zoho zia (copied and pasted to zoho zia) but I keep getting notificaiton "there is a connetion issue connecting 3rd party api on zoho" when using zia on top when click zia and try to type in word there

    • Can no longer send email via Django site

      This was working fine as of 11/7/25. Now I am unable to send user verification emails from a Django site on a AWS lightsail sever. When a user attempts to register the following error occurs. I have also attempted to send a test email via the shell and

    • Deleting Fields in CRM Deletes Views in Analytics

      Hey friends! I'm having some issues when we modify some fields within ZohoCRM. There are times where we need to sunset a field and eventually completely remove it. In these instances, it seems like a lot of views are removed in Analytics. This ranges

    • Booking outside of scheduled availability

      Is there a way for staff (such as the secretary) to book appointments outside of the scheduled availability? Right now to do this special hours must be set each time. There should be a quicker way. Am I missing something?

    • IMAP error message in Zoho mail

      I cannot send emails today. Everything fine for years until today. Get a message: "You are yet to enable IMAP for your account. Please contact your administrator". Does anyone know how to correct this?

    • unable to send email but able to receive email

      my email address is info@securityforceservices.ca

    • Zoho Desk Android and iOS app update: Access multilingual templates on the IM module

      Hello everyone! We have introduced multilingual templates on the IM module of the Zoho Desk mobile app allowing you to send IM template messages in translated versions. iOS: Android: Please update the app to the latest version directly from the App Store/

    • Can't login IMAP suddenly

      Since this evening I'm getting the error: You are yet to enable IMAP for your account. Please contact your administrator... IMAP always been enabled in my account and was workign fine for the past 7 years. Already tried turning IMAP off and on again.

    • Login to server failing

      When trying to retrieve my mail, I am getting this error message -- Login to server pop.zoho.com with username (my email address) failed. It gives me the option to retry, enter password, or cancel. Then I get this message -- Sending of username did not

    • Does Zoho offer a full WhatsApp Marketing Platform (like WATI / GallaBox)?

      lm exploring WhatsApp marketing and I’d like to understand what options are available within the Zoho ecosystem. Currently, I see: Zoho SalesIQ has a broadcast option, but it seems very limited — for example, it doesn’t support uploading contacts via

    • IMAP stopped working today

      Hello! I've been a paid customer for more than 10 years, IMAP was always working fine. But today this is the error I've got on my iPhone: I've tried toggling the IMAP for my account (Mail -> Settings -> Mail accounts) off and on again, but that did not

    • Custom buttons

      Getting Error "You can only create 10 custom buttons per module" ! I already have more than 10 for 1 module before trying to create another. Is this a new restriction brought about by the all knowing what's best for businesses Zoho guru ? It would be

    • The Social Wall: October 2025

      Hello everyone, As we head toward the end of the year, we’re bringing you a few updates to help give your social media efforts a strong finish. This month, we’re rolling out new enhancements across both the web and mobile app. Post Preview Have you ever

    • Client Script | Update - Support for List Page (Canvas) and Notes

      Hello everyone! We are glad to announce two exciting updates in Client Script. Client Script support for List Page (Canvas) Client Script support for Notes These open the door to more dynamic and interactive customizations! 1. Client Script support for

    • Pincode Based Pricing

      We want to give extra discount to customers within city limits because our shipping and packing costs are less. My proposal is assign list of pincodes to price list and assign the price list to customers whenever they sign up with pincodes. Also show

    • feature question: lookup field in Projects task layout

      Hello, Below we have interface to configure a custom task layout, however, we need a lookup field to let pickup data from other apps, such as Zoho CRM Products module, is that possible or already in your roadmap? or a workaround to achieve it? Thanks in advance.

    • Can we do Image swatches for color variants?

      We want to do something like the attached screenshot on our new zoho store. We need image swatches instead of normal text selection. We want to user to select an image as color option. Is this doable? I don't see any option on zoho backend. Please h

    • What's New in Zoho Analytics - October 2025

      Hello Users! We're are back with a fresh set of updates and enhancements to make data analysis faster and more insightful. Take a quick look at what’s new and see how these updates can power up your reports and dashboards. Explore What's New! Extreme

    • Zoho Analytics & SQL Server - Live connect

      Below are the steps I did Created a fresh database and table in my own virtual server Created a new data source connection with live connect I was able to select the tables and created the data source successfully I am getting the error when I try to

    • Explore the Redesigned Quotes Module in Zoho Billing

      Dear users, We’re excited to introduce a refreshed look for the Quotes details page in Zoho Billing! This update brings you a more efficient user interface experience without changing your existing workflow. We've enhanced layouts with organized tabs,

    • Latest updates in Zoho Meeting | Create departments, Share PDF files

      Hello all,   You can now create departments to group team members within your organization. This will make it easier for you to organize department-level meetings and invite members. In webinars, use the Share material feature to share PDF files directly

    • Unify All Zoho Video Meeting Experiences into One Standardized Platform

      Hi Zoho Team, We would like to share an important user experience concern regarding the current state of video meeting functionality across the Zoho ecosystem. The Problem Within Zoho, there are multiple ways to initiate or schedule a video meeting: Zoho

    • [Free Webinar] Product Updates: Quick Catch-Up Session - Part I - Creator Tech Connect

      Hello Everyone! We welcome you all to the upcoming free webinar on the Creator Tech Connect Series. The Creator Tech Connect series is a free monthly webinar featuring deep-dive technical sessions designed for developers, administrators, and app builders.

    • Project expenses in Zoho Books

      Just the way timesheet is used to calculate labour cost for a particular project, how do i record other expenses against a project such as materials and consumables used for the project? So that under report, I can view the total amount expended on each

    • Blueprint status change

      I want to change the Blueprint status of a workflow. The status is completed automatically when I added the record through API call. But I want to make it active, I don't see any options for this. Even if I draw transition from any stage , it is not visible

    • What is going on with GMail extension.

      Suddenly, it is popping up and saying "Please wait while we work our magic... 10%" and it sits there. Yesterday I waited for an entire hour call and it never got further. Today, it's not resolved. Is there a fix I can do? I've tried all the typical

    • Marketing Tip #6: Cross-sell with related products

      Don’t let customers stop at just one product. Suggesting related or complementary items improves the shopping experience and increases order value. Try this today: Use the Item Recommendations feature in Zoho Commerce and add two to three suggested items

    • Next Page