Building Extensions #8: Create widgets with the JS SDK bundle in Zoho Desk - Data API
This series aims to equip developers with all they need to build extensions for Zoho Desk in Zoho Sigma and publish them in Zoho Marketplace.
We hope that you've been able to use the information in previous posts to understand building extensions for Zoho Desk and the configuration of various components required while building them. In this post, we'll introduce the various API methods available in the Zoho Desk JS SDK bundles, which will help you experiment with the capabilities of the Zoho Desk Platform. We'll begin with creating widgets using the APIs in this post, and proceed with additional advanced features provided on the platform in the upcoming posts.
The JS SDK provided by Zoho Desk is a package of multiple APIs that helps in interacting with the Zoho Desk data while building extensions. Depending on the purpose met by these APIs, they are grouped and are provided with unique names. These APIs can be used in your extensions to fetch data from various objects of the Desk portal. Based on your business requirements, you can work on these data and use them in your extensions' widgets.
Before we start with the API categories, there are two important points to note. To utilize the APIs in your extension, the min.js file of the JS SDK needs to be added to your code snippet and the widget initialization should be completed.
The JS SDK is provided with onload() API method by default, which will initialize your widget within the Desk portal. When an extension is accessed, this API is invoked and opens the widget. All other APIs in the JS SDK package can be used once the extension is initialized. The following code initializes your widget.
ZOHODESK.extension.onload()
To ease development, the onload() API method is included in the widget.html file of every project that you create. The sample code snippet of all the platform-supported APIs will also be available in the widget.html file. With such an easy-to-use platform, all a developer needs to do is pick and include the APIs they need for their extension.
<script src="https://js.zohostatic.com/support/developer_sdk/v1/js/ZohoDeskClientSDK.min.js"> </script>
<script>
window.onload = function () {
ZOHODESK.extension.onload().then(function (App) {
//Get ticket related data
ZOHODESK.get('ticket.email').then(function (res) {
//response Handling
}).catch(function (err) {
//error Handling
});
...
...
});
};
</script>
The following list of APIs are available in the JS SDK package, each serving a unique function. Based on your business requirements, you can include the APIs in your extensions.
- Data APIs
- Data Storage APIs
- Extensions API
- Resources API
- Request API
- Invoke API
- Events API
- Hooks API
Data APIs
Zoho Desk provides a set of data APIs to communicate with the various objects within your Zoho Desk portal. The objects that are supported for APIs are listed below:
- Ticket Object
- Contact Object
- Account Object
- User Object
- Portal Object
- Department Object
- Extension Object
Ticket Object
The different properties of a Desk ticket can be accessed and it is currently limited to the widget locations desk.ticket.detail.rightpanel, desk.ticket.detail.subtab, desk.ticket.detail.lefttab, desk.ticket.detail.moreaction, and desk.ticket.thread.moreaction.
To fetch a ticket along with all associated properties from the desk portal, use the below API.
ZOHODESK.get("ticket").then(function(response)
{
//response returns all the properties of the ticket
})
An individual property of a ticket can be obtained by using the following API.
ZOHODESK.get("ticket.<property>").then(function(response)
{
//response returns the property data of the ticket
})
where <property> refers to a particular property or data you need to fetch from the current ticket. For example, department ID, email, etc.
Contact Object
The various properties of a contact within the Desk portal can be accessed. It is accessible only from the contact detail page locations, and global widget locations.
ZOHODESK.get("contact.<property>").then(function(response)
{
//Response - requested detail
}).catch(function(err){
//Error Handling
})
Account Object
This object provides you with access to the various properties of an account. It is accessible only from the account detail page locations, and global widget locations.
ZOHODESK.get("account.<property>").then(function(response)
{
//Response - requested detail
}).catch(function(err){
//Error Handling
})
User Object
The details of a user can be obtained from the Desk portal using the following API.
ZOHODESK.get("user").then(function(response)
{
// response returns information about a particular user
}).catch(function(err){
//Error handling
})
To obtain individual properties of the users, use the following API.
ZOHODESK.get("user.<property>").then(function(response)
{
//response returns information about a particular user
}).catch(function(err){
//Error handling
})
where <property> can take up one of the following values:
- isLightAgent - Returns a boolean value stating whether the user is a LightAgent or not.
- tzoffset - Fetch the time offset of a particular user. Time offset refers to the difference in time between the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and the current standard time in the user's time zone. The time difference is expressed in minutes.
- fullName
- email
- portals - Returns the name of the users' portal.
Portal Object
To obtain the various details of a portal, the following API can be used.
ZOHODESK.get("portal.<property>").then(function(response)
{
//response returns the current Zoho Desk plan of the portal
}).catch(function(err){
//Error Handling
})
where <property> can take up the following values.
- plan
- id
- name
- customDomainName
Department Object
To obtain the department details of the portal, the following API can be used. This API can be used only by the users with Admin role.
ZOHODESK.get("department.<property>").then(function(response)
{
//response returns the list of departments
}).catch(function(err){
//Error Handling
})
where <property> can take up the following values
- list - The list of departments in the portal
- id - The department of the agent currently working
- info - Fetch details about a particular department. The department id should be passed as a parameter
Extension Object
When you build an extension, you will be adding your configuration details in the plugin-manifest file. You can obtain these configuration details from the file using this API. You can also set configuration values.
You can fetch the installation parameters of the extension. In production mode, only those parameters that have the value of the secure key set to false can be retrieved. In development mode, all parameters can be obtained irrespective of the value of the secure key.
ZOHODESK.get("extension.config").then(function(response)
{
//response returns the installation parameters of the extension
}).catch(function(err){
//error handling
})
As we already know, the extensions you build for Zoho Desk will be hosted in Zoho Marketplace from where users can install the extension. For your reference, here are some extensions from the Zoho Marketplace that are built for Zoho Desk using the Data APIs explained above. These could give you an idea of how the functionality of Zoho Desk can be enhanced using widgets.
In this post, we've stuck to explaining Data APIs. We'll be covering the features of other APIs available in the JS SDK package in the upcoming posts.
Stay tuned!
Access your files securely from anywhere
New to Zoho Recruit?
Zoho Developer Community
New to Zoho LandingPage?
Zoho LandingPage Resources
New to Zoho Survey?
New to Zoho CRM Plus?
Deliver unforgettable customer experiences
New to Zoho CRM Plus?
Deliver unforgettable customer experiences
New to Zoho Marketing Plus?
Everything you need to run your marketing
New to Zoho Marketing Plus?
Everything you need to run your marketing
New to Bigin?
Topic Participants
Vinoth M
New to Zoho TeamInbox?
Zoho TeamInbox Resources
Zoho CRM Plus Resources
Zoho Books Resources
Zoho Subscriptions Resources
Zoho Projects Resources
Zoho Sprints Resources
Qntrl Resources
Zoho Creator Resources
Zoho CRM Resources
Design. Discuss. Deliver.
Zoho Show Resources
Get Started. Write Away!
Writer is a powerful online word processor, designed for collaborative work.
Zoho CRM コンテンツ
-
オンラインヘルプ
-
Webセミナー
-
機能活用動画
-
よくある質問
-
Ebook
-
-
Zoho Campaigns
- Zoho サービスのWebセミナー
その他のサービス コンテンツ
Nederlandse Hulpbronnen
ご検討中の方
Recent Topics
Urgent Security Feature Request – Add MFA to Zoho Projects Client Portal Hello Zoho Projects Team,
Hello Zoho Projects Team, We hope you are doing well. We would like to submit an urgent security enhancement request regarding the Zoho Projects Client Portal. At this time, as far as we are aware, there is no Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) availableUnified customer portal login
As I'm a Zoho One subscriber I can provide my customers with portal access to many of the Zoho apps. However, the customer must have a separate login for each app, which may be difficult for them to manage and frustrating as all they understand is thatZoho Projects - Task Owner filter at Project level
Hi Projects Team, The feature requests I would like to raise is the ability to create a custom view at the project level for projects with tasks owned by a user or users. For example "Ashley's Projects" custom view might contain a list of project in whichCadences
I have just started using Cadences for follow-up up email pipeline. Is it just me or do you find the functionality very basic? For example, it will tell me (if I go looking for it) if someone has replied to a follow-up and been unenrolled; but it won'tZoho Books-Accounting on the Go Series!
Dear users, Continuing in the spirit of our 'Function Fridays' series, where we've been sharing custom function scripts to automate your back office operations, we're thrilled to introduce our latest initiative – the 'Zoho Books-Accounting on the Go Series'.Custom Fonts in Zoho CRM Template Builder
Hi, I am currently creating a new template for our quotes using the Zoho CRM template builder. However, I noticed that there is no option to add custom fonts to the template builder. It would greatly enhance the flexibility and branding capabilities ifWould be really awesome to have Created Time and Modified Time showing for custom functions list
It would be SO HELPFUL to be able to sort custom functions by created time/ modified time. Also seeing a created by/ modified by with the little profile picture would be supremely helpful as well. Just really hard sometimes to find a function you wereWhat'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! ExtremeTicket Export Does Not Include Ticket Threads
Dear Zoho Desk Support Team, I hope you’re doing well. I would like to report an issue regarding the ticket export functionality in Zoho Desk. Currently, when exporting tickets, the ticket threads or conversation history are not included — only the ticketPayments made notification
This is a really wonderful feature but we can only use it for about 50% of payments made & have to revert to sending statements which is a real chore. Credits applied to the bills paid in the notification aren't included & this causes great confusion in the accounts receivable departments. Please, please add this required feature asap ! .....Ability to add VAT to Retainer Invoices
Hello, I've had a telephone conversation a month ago with Dinesh on this topic and my request to allow for the addition of VAT on Retainer Invoices. It's currently not possible to add VAT to Retainer Invoices and it was mutually agreed that there is absolutely no reason why there shouldn't be, especially as TAX LAW makes VAT mandatory on each invoice in Europe! So basically, what i'm saying is that if you don't allow us to add VAT to Retainer Invoices, than the whole Retainer Invoices becomesZOHO DESK link with Power BI
HI, I am using ZOHO Desk for last two years and now my client is asking to integrate ZOHO desk data to Power BI so that they can use Data for reporting. Kindly guide in details so that i can give access to ZOHO desk export data for more visibility.URLs being masked despite disabling tracking
Hey, We had disabled click tracking from an email update we are sharing with our users. Despite this, the URL the end user is receiving is masked, and looks like "https://qksyl-cmpzourl.maillist-manage.net/click/1d8e72714515cda6/1d8e72714515ca70" insteadZoho CRM - Calendar Cards View - Let Users Decide What Is Displayed On Calendar Entries
Imagine planning your week of face-to-face meetings across three counties. You’re trying to group appointments by location to make the best use of your time, but Zoho CRM’s calendar doesn’t show where each meeting is happening. You’re left trying to rememberDashboard Autorefesh
Good day, I am a dashboard that displays the number of tickets based on "Product Name". This dashboard is displayed on a big TV for the team to monitor. Can the dashboard auto-refresh every few minutes to display the new values? Currently, we have closedDeferred/ Unearned revenue
Dear Zoho Team, Just in case you have missed out my query posted few days ago: We issue invoices relating to 12-month web hosting service. When we issue the invoice, we should record the entire amount of the invoice as DEFERRED/UNEARNED REVENUE (ie. $10Report Hover Setting
Would be great if we will able to show information to the user while hovering a record in a report.Bigin Android app update: Zoho Books integration
Hello everyone! We’re excited to introduce Zoho Books integration on the latest version(v1.8.5) Bigin Android app. Once the integration is completed in the web(bigin.zoho.com), the Zoho Books tab will be visible in detail View of Contacts, Companies,Audit Log enhancements: Increased retention period, better user visibility, and more
Hello everyone, The Audit Log brings in the following enhancements which improve the overall ability to manage data. Why did we make these updates? Extended Data Retention: Audit data can now be filtered and exported for a 60-day period, doubling theQuestion Regarding Managing Sale Items in Zoho Books
Good day, I was wondering about something. Right now, Zoho Books doesn’t seem to have a way to flag certain items as being on sale. For example, if I want a list of specific items to be on sale from October 1 to October 12, the user would have to export[WEBINAR] Smooth year-end closure with Zoho Books (KENYA)
Hello there, This webinar is for all Kenyan businesses looking to wrap up their financial year smoothly! Join our free session to learn how Zoho Books can simplify your year-end process. What to expect from this webinar: - All the latest updates in ZohoSystem flaws and lack of response from Zoho
I have had to go on here as no-one is replying to my emails regarding my problem (been 10 days and no email reply) and your chat facility online through your Zoho Books software opens and closes immediately, so not functioning properly. I actually calledCustomer Grouping
Hi, how can I group multiple customers into single group. So that I can have idea of accounts receivables of all the customers in single group. Like if there are multiple subsidiaries of same company we have having a business with, and want to view theTwo currencies
More and more I am finding that internattional payments' fees are unpredictable. I would like, on my invoices that are in a foreign currency (eg. USD$ or EUR€) for there to be a GBP£ TOTAL display alongside the invoice's currency total. This would makeZoho Books | Product updates | September 2025
Hello users, We’ve rolled out new features and enhancements in Zoho Books. From PayNow payment method to applying journal credits to invoices and bills in other locations, explore the updates designed to enhance your bookkeeping experience. IntegrateGST Slabs Redefined: Stay Compliant Using Zoho Books!
Hello Everyone! The Government of India is rolling out new GST rates, a major reform aimed at simplifying the current tax structure starting 22 September 2025. GST will move from four slabs (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) to two main slabs (5% and 18%), plus a specialZoho 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, AppleNeed Inactive accounts to be visible in Reports in Zoho Books
I N=need Inactive accounts to be visible in Reports in Zoho Books to do recons of the accounts but when i see the same they are not visible in the Accountant - Account Transactions reportEdit item custom fields
Getting this error : Transactions have been created with the custom field. Hence it cannot be deleted. Not trying to delete it, just trying to change which modules to show in or to not show at all in transactions !Zoho Books - How to Invoke a Custom Function in Schedulers
We have multiple schedulers that send emails to customers in batches. Currently, we are maintaining the same code across several schedulers. Is it possible to use a custom function inside a scheduler script? If yes, how can we invoke the custom functionUse Zoho Books to bill for work done in Zoho Desk??
I'm trying to see if something is possible (and if yes, how). We use Zoho One to manage our business. We have a lot of clients that will put in a ticket (via portal) to have work done. Out techs will pick up the ticket, do the work, and then log the timeZoho Finance Suite - Customer Custom Tabs - Dynamic Link
Hi Finance Suite team, When creating a Custom Tab for a Client Portal, there is no option to add dynamic parameters. This would be very helpful for adding Zoho Analytics dashboards which can be dynamically filtered through the URL to only show informationModular Permission Levels
We need more modular Permissions per module in Books we have 2 use cases that are creating problems We need per module export permission we have a use case where users should be able to view the sales orders but not export it, but they can export otherBlueprint or Validation Rules for Invoices in Zoho Books
Can I implement Blueprint or Validation Rules for Invoices in Zoho Books? Example, use case could be, Agent confirms from client that payment is done, but bank only syncs transactions tomorrow. in this case, Agent can update invoice status to done, andFeature Enhancement Request – Text Formatting Options in Item Description (Zoho Books/Quotes Module)
Dear Zoho Development Team, Greetings from Radiant360 Integrated Technical Services LLC. We would like to bring to your attention a functional limitation we've encountered within the Item Table / Quote Description section of Zoho Books (and Zoho CRM Quotes).Add Option to Mass Dispatch by User
Hello! We are using the dispatch console to dispatch service appointments to our service ressources. Right now, the process is our dispatcher verifies each ressource's route for the day and dispatches it after validation. Sadly, there doesn't seem toBank Receipt Catagorization
Hi, how can I match a bank deposit to multiple customer's invoices ? For e.g. A single person paid to us on behalf of different five customers. I need to keep the separated invoices for each customerPer Level Approval for admins
We need Process admins like Zoho CRM in Zoho Books for per stage approval Currently in books, admins only have the option for Final Approval But for example, in cases like when an employee is on leave, we can't just approval one level we only have optionPayment on a past due balance
Scenario: Customer is past due on their account for 4 months. We suspend their billing in Zoho books. Customer finally logs into the portal and enters a new credit card. We associate that cardwith their subscription, which will permit the card to be usedHow to export all line-item descriptions for a specific item in Zoho Books?
I am trying to audit a specific item (“Item X”) that has been invoiced multiple times with different line-level descriptions. Here’s the situation: I am using Zoho Books (Professional). Each invoice may contain the same item but with different descriptionsNext Page