Extensions 101: Build Extensions for Zoho Finance suite
Hello Developers!
We are thrilled to announce our 5-day webinar series on building extensions for Zoho Finance Suite products.
Our first session was a resounding success, introducing Extensions, Zoho Developer, Zoho Marketplace, and the Zoho Books Developer platform. The session was not only informative, but also highly interactive. We look forward to continuing this momentum in our upcoming sessions.
If you missed the first session, you can find the recording below. To participate in our upcoming sessions of this series, you can register here.
As part of our commitment to your learning, we have carefully curated the questions received during the session and provided answers. We understand your questions are crucial to your understanding, and we are here to support you.
- Could you help us with more information related to Zoho Platform in general, Zoho Flow, and Zoho Creator.
You can find the details about the different platform capabilities in the following link. https://www.zoho.com/developer/apps.html. You can also refer to this video, which explains the Zoho Developer platform and the different sections available in it. - How do we make connections work in the test environment?
The base URL for testing APIs in the developer portal sandbox is https://extension-books.sandbox.zoho.com.The respective team is working on a fix to resolve this, so that "api_root_endpoint" from the Organization map can be used without any issues to test the APIs in the sandbox. We will keep you updated here in this post once the fix is rolled out live.
[Updated on 02/Jul/2024]As mentioned earlier, the issue has been fixed and rolled out. Now, you can use the "api_root_endpoint" from the Organization map, which will automatically fetch the current environment's base URL. You can refer to the code snippet below for fetching Books information with your connection details:
organizationID = organization.get("organization_id");
apiEndpoint = organization.get("api_root_endpoint");
respcontacts = invokeurl [
url :apiEndpoint + "/contacts?organization_id=" + organizationID
type :GET
connection:"xxxxxxxxxx"
]; - What are the criteria to be considered while choosing to utilize a Private Extension or performing the customizations on a Zoho Books instance?
A private extension would be helpful when you need to share a customized feature with multiple Zoho Books instances (orgs or users). Otherwise, you can go with product customization. - Are global variables created in an extension accessible in other extensions/widgets?
No, global fields can be accessible within the extension in which they were created. If necessary, visibility can be controlled within the extension.
https://www.zoho.com/books/developer/extensions/configuration.html#global-fields - Is it possible to connect WhatsApp business account with Zoho books along with its features?
No. You cannot directly connect an application with Zoho Books. For any integration with Zoho Books, a secure and valid connection with the respective product must be established. Following that, you need to build the integration based on the use cases you plan to achieve. This implementation will depend upon the platform as well as the products' supported features. - How do I construct data for items, materials, and prices without manually editing items as it consumes more time?
With widgets and APIs, you can use your own user interface to create the respective module's records. - Can we use global variables to store sensitive information needed for use by the extension/widget? What is the alternative to global variables?
While reviewing the extension, we don't encourage storing users' sensitive information as per privacy policies. Other than that, if you need some data to be stored securely and used within an extension, global variables would be the best option. Otherwise, you can store it through a widget. - Is the sandbox data retained between tests?
Yes. The data will be retained. - How do widget and extension share data?
Similar to how you add various components to your extension, widgets are also added as a component. Unlike the other components, widgets must be embedded into Zoho Books at a specific, customizable location. Consequently, data or values defined within an extension will be accessible from a widget. The visibility and accessibility of the data can be controlled depending on how it is defined. - Can I access the Zoho Developer from my Zoho Books?
No. Zoho Developer is a free cloud platform that allows users to build different types of apps for Zoho products. You can only develop extensions for Zoho Books using this platform. - Use case: When a contact is linked to a product in Zoho CRM, a new ticket needs to be created in Zoho Desk. To implement this, how can I connect to Zoho Desk to create a ticket?
To implement your use case, you must create an extension for Zoho CRM with a connector for Zoho Desk. You can invoke the Desk API to create a ticket using that connector. - Is approval from the Zoho Books team required for a private extension?
Yes. A review of private extensions will be done for the initial phase. Since finance suite extensions involve financial data, the review is mandatory. - Which Zoho Books plan is offered in the developer platform? Also, which plan of Zoho Books is required to test and install an extension?
The Ultimate plan of the Indian edition is applied by default in the Zoho Books developer platform to build extensions. All the features available as part of the Ultimate plan will be available during your extension development on the developer platform.
With regard to the plan required to test an extension, a 14-day trial plan should suffice. However, if you already have a paid org, it's recommended to have a Premium or above plan to test and install the extension. If you're using other paid plans, the suitability depends on the component's limits. Please refer to this link for more details: https://www.zoho.com/in/books/pricing/pricing-comparison.html?highlight=professional#:~:text=Customization%20and%20automation - Should we post in the developer forum or write directly to the support email for suggestions and help.
If your query is a support question related to a Zoho product, you can email the respective Zoho product's support email address. However, the developer forum is ideal if you want to validate your thoughts from other Zoho users. There are 100+ million users in the forum. The challenge you face could have already been shared and discussed by other users. Hence, the Zoho Cliq developer forum is an efficient mode of quick exchange of thoughts. - When will the comments in threads be accessible to Cliq channel users in EU data center?
We love for all customers across the world to come together, exchange knowledge, and grow together. Our Cliq team is working to address some bottlenecks, like checking the thread, regardless of your DC. We will be the first to update you once the feature is ready. - How can I use the request method within a widget?
We have SDKs for widgets to communicate with Zoho Books. The ZFAPPS.request() method will help you to make a network request. You can learn more here. - Will there be support for SDK methods for package module in future?
We have currently supported SDK methods for limited modules. We will add the missing modules in future updates. - Does the get method work only when we are on a particular module?
The get method helps you to get records' data only on specific locations. For example, consider that you are on the sales order page; you can get the 'salesorder' data only. If you require other details, you have to use the request method to initiate an API call. - What is the difference between Integration and extension?
The terms integration and extension are almost similar. Integrations include both API-built apps as well as platform-built apps.
Extensions: We use this term to the apps that are built using the Sigma platform, wherein you can make enhancements to extend the existing functionality of a Zoho product by customising the product or connecting with other applications.
API-built apps: These apps could be built in any development environment of your choice, and you would consume the respective Zoho product REST APIs to implement your use case. In these types of apps, you would be operating more on the data of the respective apps. - What's an example of a web tab?
Say you've created a Zoho Creator application to manage the manufacturing process, POS, or a specific aspect of your business. You can copy the embed URL and create a web tab for it. Now, you’ll be able to access this Zoho Creator application within Zoho Books instead of opening it in a separate browser tab. - Can we have a Zoho Books web tab directly inside Zoho CRM? Finance is available, but it is limited in its functionality.
No, the entire Zoho Books product cannot be constructed as a web tab inside Zoho CRM. In general, a web tab is used to embed a page inside the product. However, Zoho finance inside the Zoho CRM is an integration with additional functionalities. - What happens if an extension is not approved after review? Can it not be published on the Marketplace, or can I not use it as well?
An approved extension can only be deployed in the Zoho marketplace. If it is not approved, you can make the necessary changes and send it again for review. Until then, you can use the extension locally and share it privately with your customers. - What is the size limit for data storage in the Zoho Books widget?
Up to 10000 characters can be stored. - For third-party integrations, can you host the API pull request on Sigma?
Yes. To invoke third-party APIs, you can use the request SDK method. These topics will be covered in our upcoming sessions. Stay tuned :) - Is there any charge for building and listing extensions?
No, the Zoho Developer platform is free, and hence, there is no charge for building extensions or listing them in the Zoho Marketplace. - Can we create extensions using trial account also? I am unable to create extensions for CRM in my trial account.
In general, trial accounts can be used to test product functionalities. Since Zoho Developer is a free cloud platform, you can sign up for a Zoho Developer account and directly start with extension development. Also, the extensions for Zoho CRM can be developed using a Zoho Developer account in the U.S. DC only. - In the Zoho Books widget, is there any method to retrieve records from another module without using the request method, perhaps through any SDK methods?
Sorry, this is not possible right now. - As an individual developer and not a company, is it possible for me to create extensions?
Yes, you can go ahead and create extensions if you have a Zoho Developer account.
Access your files securely from anywhere
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
Jeff DeRiso
Nanditha Somasundaram Somasundaram
Sticky Posts
Zoho Developer Community Monthly Digest – February 2025
Hello everyone, First of all, an apology is in order—our January digest got swept away by a whirlwind of hackathon madness. But fear not, February's digest is here to make up for lost time! We’ve got everything from upcoming events like the Zoho DeveloperAnnouncing the Zohotshots of the ZDC Hackathon 2024
Hey everyone! After 46 days of innovation, collaboration, and intense competition, the first-ever Zoho Developer Community (ZDC) Hackathon has officially concluded! 🎉 With 1079 participants, 797 teams, and representation from 45 countries across 6 continents,Extensions 101 webinar series: Build, integrate, and monetize with extensions
Attention developers! Are you ready to take your extension development skills to the next level? We're excited to bring back the Extensions 101 webinar series with an expanded lineup of Zoho products and an introduction to more platform features. LastZoho Developer Community Monthly Digest - December 2024
Hello everyone! As we step into the new year, let’s reflect on the strides we’ve made together and gear up for the exciting opportunities 2025 holds. This month’s digest highlights key updates, engaging discussions, and upcoming events designed to keepZoho Developer Community Monthly Digest - November 2024
Hello everyone! Welcome back to the November edition of the Developer Community Monthly Digest. Dive in to explore the upcoming events, hands-on training sessions, exciting product updates, insightful discussions, and more to keep you informed and inspired!
New to Zoho TeamInbox?
Zoho TeamInbox Resources
Zoho DataPrep 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
Zoho Workdrive file versions
Hello. I have Workdrive setup to sync files offline to an external hard drive. The off line sync folder currently shows at 1.42 TB. I have a 5 TB storage limit in Workdrive. The cloud version of Workdrive says that I have used all 5 TB! I have 27, 285Visual Sync Status Indicator
I think I've see in documentation that WorkDrive had the industry standard of indicating a sync status for individual files and folders. I'm just starting with WD and synced my first test folder, but there was no way to tell what's happening by just lookingIntegration with Zoho CRM?
Will it be possible to integrate WorkDrive with CRM similar do Zoho Docs?How to control the # of version of files to keep?
Currently most of the WorkDrive Storage comprise of the many versions of files saved. How do I save some space and reduce the number of version of date or files saved in WorkDrive? ThanksShould I Use Zoho Mail Calendar, or Zoho CRM Calendar, or Zoho Calendar?
After a couple of dozens Zoho solopreneur products that I transitioned to after becoming a Zoho One enthusiast 5 years ago, I am finally preparing to conquer the remaining two bastions: Mail and WorkDrive (using Google Workspace at the moment). A NYCAdd comments to a form
Hello, I'm trying to add comments to a form using a subform with one field named comment, but I don't want prior comments to be editable or deleteable by anyone (except the admin). Is there a way to only display prior comments (with a datetime, user and comment field preferably) but still be able to add new ones when editing the main form? I'm not tied to subforms if there is an easier was to do this?Zoho Books | Product updates | March 2025
Hello users, We have rolled out new updates in Zoho Books to enhance your accounting experience. These include the ability to create workflow rules for manual journals and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for customer and vendor portals. Explore theseTrying to export a report to Excel via a deluge script
I have this code from other posts but it gives me an error of improper statement, due to missing ; at end of line or incomplete expression. Tried lots of variations to no avail. openUrl(https://creatorapp.zoho.com/<username>/<app name>/XLSX/#Report:<reportname>,"sameWork Drive Tray Icon Missing
How can I get the tray icon back? The app froze, had to restart PC and then it's been gone since... I've re-installed the windows program and restarted my machine twice now.cant receive emails
I have checked the Dns and everything seems to be fine pls check the print screens attached below help me cause i need to solve this fastRetainer invoice in Zoho Finance modlue
Hello, Is there a way of creating retainer invoices in the Zoho Finance module? If not can I request this is considered for future updates please.iOS Widget Not Working
It appears that the iOS widget is not working, displaying a blank white screen instead of a selected note. I’m using app version 6.5.12 and iOS 18.3.1.Two Problems With Data Imported to Notes
Occasionally I want to create a note by copying and pasting a few paragraphs from an article on line. When I create a new note and paste in the section the newly created note winds up with each paragraph in white text on a dark background rather thanWorkdrive on Android - Gallery Photo Backups
Hello, Is there any way of backing up the photos on my android phone directly to a specific folder on Workdrive? Assuming i have the workdrive app installed on the phone in question. EmmaGenerate a link for Zoho Sign we can copy and use in a separate email
Please consider adding functionality that would all a user to copy a reminder link so that we can include it in a personalized email instead of sending a Zoho reminder. Or, allow us to customize the reminder email. Use Case: We have clients we need toHow to associate a document sent in Zoho Sign with an deal in the CRM?
Hi, often documents are loaded in Zoho sign and sent for signature. These sometimes are linked to a deal in the Zoho CRM and would be nice to see the status of the document within the CRM. I am aware of the integration, but that assumes that the documentPreventing auto-redirect to Parent Record on Save...
Our users often create records from the related list on th left side of the screen. They click the blue "plus" button to create the record. This is handy, but for some modules, or situations, they would like to remain on the record AFTER clicking "Save",CRM Portal Help
Hello, I am trying to set up a portal to connect with our referring doctors to keep patient cases organized. I set up the accounts module as office, the contacts as doctors, the leads as patients, and the deals as treatments. Everything seems to workZoho Books (UK) needs to be able to submit a CT600 CTSA return
As well as a VAT Return, most (if not all) small businesses have to submit a CT600 Corporation Tax Self-Assessment. There are many providers who do this (like Xero) bujt not Zoho. Can you add this to the request list please? Many thanks SteveNo image image comes out in the recipient when I sent an email
Hello to the entire forum, when I send an email from Zoho, my profile picture does not come out. On the other hand, if you do, using Gmail accounts. How is it configured to leave ??? Thank you Greetings !!Zoho Desk & Tasks
Hi, I'd like to be able to create a set of tasks each time a customer request comes in, as I understand it, currently each would need to be create manually. Project is too much of an overhead for what we want to use. Effectively in various use cases wezet pack not working
We are using the zet pack command to package our Zoho extension. However, after running the command, the extension gets packed, but the resulting package is empty. We've attached a screenshot for reference. Could you please assist us with resolving thisWhile retrieving the Balance Sheet Report, there is always this "COST OF GOODS SOLD", This is not editable.
Hi Zoho & Readers, While retrieving the Balance Sheet Report, there is always this "COST OF GOODS SOLD", which is reduced from the Sales to arrive at the gross profit. The issue I face here is that Service Oriented Companies don't incur any COGS, henceChanging salesorder_number via zoho flow
For some reason updating salesorder_number via zoho flow does not stick. Flow is triggered by new sales order filtered by sales channel update sales order: PO#: CX${trigger.reference_number} Salesorder_number: CX${trigger.reference_number} PO# successfullyWorking with Products that are non-tangible
How does one create a 'service' in products? Is there a way to disable inventory functions for things like Sofware as a service? The services module doesn't look to be much help either. Not sure how to do this in CRMLoop in Blueprint but it works. Why? How should this be set?
see pictureZoho Error: This Operation has been restricted. Please contact support-as@zohocorp.com for further details
Hello There, l tried to verify my domain (florindagoreti.com.br) and its shows this error: This Operation has been restricted. Please contact support-as@zohocorp.com for further details. Screenshot Given Below - please check what went wrong. ThanksBulk Delete Images
How do I bulk Delete Images from Zoho Campaigns. We have been using the Zoho since 2019 and can still only see the option to delete images one by one and we have a lot of old Campaign imagery we don't need anymore. Thanks!Tip #5: Setting access rights at the subfolder level
Hello everyone, We hope you're finding our WorkDrive Tips and Tricks series useful. For today's tip, we'll teach you how to assign higher subfolder permissions to Team Folder members. Team Folders helps you avoid the drawbacks of traditional file sharing.I want to update the photo from the mobile app to the product tab product.
I want to update the photo from the mobile app to the product tab product. Because I want to use the CRM product tab for inventory management Contact registration can save photos from the mobile app. Attached screenshot.Setting default From address when replying to request
At the moment, if I want to reply to a request, the From field has three options, company@zohosupport.com, support@company.zohosupport.com, and support@company.com. The first two are really internal address that should never be seen by the customer andEnable Image and Hyperlink Sync in Zoho Desk - Jira Integration
Hi, We are using the Zoho Desk - Jira integration, which allows comments to sync automatically between a Zoho Desk ticket and its linked Jira issue. However, we have noticed a limitation: When adding a hyperlink or image in a Zoho Desk comment, it isDeluge Function to Update Custom Field
I'm trying to get a Deluge function (which will run as part of a Schedule in Desk) that retrieves all tickets with the status "Recurring" and updates the custom field checkbox "cf_recurring" to "true". Here's what I have, which doesn't work: searchValueImplement Date-Time-Based Triggers in Zoho Desk
Dear Zoho Desk Support Team, We are writing to request a new feature that would allow for the creation of workflows triggered by specific date-time conditions. Currently, Zoho Desk does not provide native support for date-time-based triggers, limitingHow many ZOHO-Sites does the ZOHO-One Suite allow for?
The free version of ZOHO-Sites allows for two sites, but it seems that the professional version (which is included in the ZOHO-One Suite) only allows for two websites. Is that correct? How many sites can I have within one ZOHO-One account?Zoho desk Spam Folder
Dear Zoho Support Team, We are experiencing an issue with Zoho Desk, where all emails sent to our customers are being marked as spam. As a result, they are not receiving notifications for new ticket replies. Please assist us in resolving this issue.Is Zoho Tables part of Zoho One
Cant seem to add the app as part of my Zoho One Subscription?Canva Integration
Hello! As many marketing departments are streamlining their teams, many have begun utilizing Canva for all design mockups and approvals prior to its integration into Marketing automation software. While Zoho Social has this integration already accomplished,Possible to filter out contacts that hasn't opened emails in Cadence?
We use Cadences in various outreach - is it possible in analytics or reports to filter out the contacts that have not opened their emails?On Duty Requests using API
Currently we can only do attendance entries using API, we need to make on Duty Requests using API Use Case We are using different on premise devices to track meetings, we want to sync this data with Zoho People Currently we are manually making on dutyNext Page