Kaizen #23 - Widgets
Hello Everyone!
Welcome to another week of Kaizen!
In this post, we are going to discuss Widgets in detail.
First things first—What are Widgets?
Widgets are embeddable UI components that you can create and add to your Zoho CRM. You can use widgets to perform functions that utilize data from third-party applications. You can build widgets for Zoho CRM using our JS SDK.
For instance,
You want your sales representatives to handle new requirements/customization requested by prospects by raising internal tickets. The respective team can analyse the tickets and proceed with taking further actions. Although it is available as a different ticketing software, switching between them can be time-consuming and strenuous. Using widgets, you can make it available inside Zoho CRM itself thus, saving time and effort.
Simply put, widgets give you the power to merge all your work that might be separated in different software into Zoho CRM. Thus, making your work easy and swift.
Where can you use widgets?
Currently, you can add widgets to:
- Custom Buttons
- Related Lists
- Webtabs
- Homepage Dashboards
Steps to create a widget
Step 1: Installing the CLI (Command Line Interface)
Step 2: Creating a widget
Step 3: Adding and Hosting Widgets
Step 4: Using Widgets
Step 1: Installing the CLI
The command line interface is a text-based interface to access a third-party application using commands. Here, we are going to use the zet CLI for explanation.
Installing the necessary components
Pre-requisites:
1. Download the nodejs source code from "https://nodejs.org/en/download/".
2. Once you have installed Node JS, run the following command to verify it.
$ node -v $ npm -v |
Installing zet
Zet is a CLI that helps you to build and package widgets in Zoho CRM.
Run the following command to install the zapps CLI node package. Ensure that your system has Node JS 6 or above.
$ npm install -g zoho-extension-toolkit |
Run the following command to ensure that the installation was successful.
$ zet //Help information about 'zet' command will be shown. |
Creating a project
1. Run the following command to create a new project.
$ zet init |
This command will show the list of Zoho Services for which you can create a project template.
In this case, select Zoho CRM as the service. Provide a name for your widget. The sample project will be created in the respective folder directory.
2. To open the project, run the following command.
cd {Project_Name} |
Step 2: Creating a Widget
Now, you can start designing and including the UI components for the Widget in the widget.html file. You can find this file in the "app" folder of your project. This file must contain the structure, design, and components of the Widget.
The HTML code for ZenDesk widget
This widget helps you handle new requirements/customization requested by prospects by raising internal tickets. The respective team can analyse the tickets and proceed with taking further actions.
<html> <head> <link rel="stylesheet" href="../css/style.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="bootstrap.min.css"> <script src="ZohoEmbededAppSDK.min.js"></script> <script src="custom.js"></script> <script src="jquery-min.js"></script> <script src="bootstrap.min.js"></script> <script src="moment.js"></script> </head> <body> <div class="container"> <h2>Create Ticket</h2> <form action="javascript:void(0);" onsubmit="createTicket();"> <div class="form-group"> <label for="subject">Subject:</label> <input type="text" class="form-control" id="subject" placeholder="Enter Subject" name="subject"> </div> <div class="form-group"> <label for="description">Description:</label> <textarea class="form-control" id="description" rows="5" placeholder="Enter Description" name="description"></textarea> </div> <button type="button" onclick="des()" class="btn btn-success">CREATE</button> <button type="submit" class="btn btn-primary">CLOSE</button> </form> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> $(document).ready(function(){ initializeWidget(); }) </script> </body> </html> |
To use the Zoho CRM APIs in the widget, you can use the API helpers provided in the JS SDK.
Example HTML code with API helpers:
<!DOCTYPE html> <html> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <title>Heatmaps</title> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"> <script src="ZSDK.js"></script> <script src="ZohoCrmHelper.js"></script> <script> var id; ZOHO.embeddedApp.on("PageLoad", function(data){ id= data.EntityId; }); ZOHO.embeddApp.init() .then(function(){ ZOHO.CRM.API.getRecord({Entity:"Accounts",RecordID:id})//CRM API helper .then(function(errData){ console.log(data) }) }); </script> </head> <body></body> </html> |
3. Once you have created the widget, you can host the widget locally and test.
To host the widget locally:
$ zet run |
You can test the widget using the host address received.
Once you have tested the widget and find no problems with it, you can package the widget and host it internally or externally.
Internal Hosting
You can host your application's static content using Zoho CRM's internal hosting. With the help of Zoho's CLI, you can create, develop, test, and package your widgets. You have to upload the files of the application in a zip format.
Also, if you choose to run your widgets through internal hosting, you need not host your application elsewhere. In general, you can choose internal hosting, if you have created the application.
External Hosting
Some services are available from third-party sources. They allow you to use their software from their websites. In order to make those applications available in your CRM, you can choose external hosting.
Validating and Packaging the application
1. To validate your application, run the following command,
$ zet validate |
This will validate your app package and identify violations, if any. They should be corrected before updating the zip in our developer console.
2. To generate an uploadable zip of your application, run the following command,
$ zet pack |
This will create a zip file of the application under the "dist" folder of your project directory, which can be uploaded to the CRM.
Step 3: Adding a widget
To add a widget:
1. Go to Setup > Developer Space > Widgets.
2. Click Create your First Widget.
3. In the following pop-up,
- Give the widget a Name (mandatory).
- Provide a description about the widget (optional).
- Select the preferred Widget type.
- Select the preferred Hosting type.
4. To host the application internally:
- Select Zoho from the Hosting drop-down.
- Click Upload.
- Select the compressed (ZIP) file of your application (Maximum size limit is 25MB)
- Provide the Index URL of your application in the CRM. The base URL is automatically generated for internal hosting.
5. To host the application from external sources,
- Select External from the Hosting drop-down.
- Enter the URL of the website where the application is hosted. For instance, here is an example to add a heatmap widget through external hosting.
6. Click Save.
Step 4: Using a widget
Once the widget is added to your CRM, it can be used from the component to which it was associated to. Below are the two sample widgets.
1. ZenDesk
Using this widget, users can raise internal tickets from Zoho CRM itself. They need not open a new tab to do the same.
2. Heatmap
This widget displays a heatmap of the distribution of sales in a city. You can get an idea of the locations where the sales are booming, and plan accordingly.
A widget can also be used in Dashboard, Custom Button, or Related List. Refer to Widgets - Usage for more details.
We hope you found this post useful. Stay tuned for more!
Cheers!
Previous 'Kaizen' - Connections in Zoho CRM
Next 'Kaizen' - CORS and the JS SDK
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
Sneha Sridharan
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 achievedKaizen #142: How to Navigate to Another Page in Zoho CRM using Client Script
Hello everyone! Welcome back to another exciting Kaizen post. In this post, let us see how you can you navigate to different Pages using Client Script. In this Kaizen post, Need to Navigate to different Pages Client Script ZDKs related to navigation A.Kaizen #210 - Answering your Questions | Event Management System using ZDK CLI
Hello Everyone, Welcome back to yet another post in the Kaizen Series! As you already may know, for the Kaizen #200 milestone, we asked for your feedback and many of you suggested topics for us to discuss. We have been writing on these topics over theKaizen #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.
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
Alerts for mentions in comments
We are testing the use of Writer internally and found that when a user is mentioned in a comment, there is no email alert for the mention. Is this something that's configurable, and if so, where can we enable this option?Subform Disabled Fields Should Remain Disabled on Edit/View
Currently, when we disable a subform field using on user input or on add new row, it works perfectly during the initial data entry. However, when the record is saved and reopened for viewing or editing, these disabled fields become editable again. ThisIs it really true that I can't set the default 'deposit to' account in 2025?
I've been using Books for 7 years and the default account has never been a problem. I usually manually reconcile invoices and have never had a thought about which account. It has always been my account. However, I recently noticed that for the past 4Standard Payment Term is not pulled from account to quotation
Hey Team There seems to be something off. I do have "Net 30" as my default payment term in Zoho Books for my customers. If, from the customer overview or quote section, I create a new Quotation, the payment terms field stays blank and doesn't get theOAuth integration issues
I'm experiencing persistent OAuth errors when trying to connect Make with Zoho API. I've tried multiple approaches but keep encountering the following issues: First error: 'Invalid Redirect Uri - Redirect URI passed does not match with the one configured'Zoho Mail Android app update: Manage folders
Hello everyone! In the latest version(v2.9) of the Zoho Mail Android app update, we have brought in support for an option to manage folders. You can now create, edit, and delete folders from within the mobile app. You can also manage folders for the POPShortcut to fill a range of cells
Good evening: I'm writing because I haven't been able to find a feature that allows you to select a range of cells, type in one of them, and then use a key combination to type in all of them. In Excel, the keyboard shortcut is Ctrl+Enter. I haven't foundvalidation rules doesn't work in Blueprint when it is validated using function?
I have tried to create a validation rule in the deal module. it works if I try to create a deal manually or if I try to update the empty field inside a deal. but when I try to update the field via the blueprint mandatory field, it seems the validationGet Zoho Mail API working (including DRE Connector, Oauth Token, ZUID, ZOID & ACCOUNT_ID)
Disclaimer: I’m not a professional coder! Do you need to use Zoho Mail API? Me too. It lets you do all sorts of things — like reading the complete header of an email, or forwarding an email with its attachments — which is what I wanted to do. But settingRevenue Deferrals
Does ZOHO books and subscriptions handle Revenue Deferrals?Can I make a website open inside Zoho whenever I log in?
Hi Zoho Team, Every day, I check a few websites for updates, for example, Rojgar--result, where I see the latest government job results and notifications. I was wondering if there’s any option in Zoho to make a website like that open inside Zoho wheneverZoho 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 toKaizen #214 - Workflow APIs - Part 2
Welcome back to another week of Kaizen! Last week, we discussed how Zylker Cloud Services used the Workflow APIs to discover and audit all the automations in their CRM, listing every workflow, checking triggers, and understanding their automation limits.Playback and Management Enhancements for Zoho Quartz Recordings
Hello Zoho Team, We hope you're all doing well. We would like to submit a feature request related to Zoho Quartz, the tool used to record and share browser sessions with Zoho Support. 🎯 Current Functionality As of now, Zoho Quartz allows users to recordZoho CRM Community Digest - September P1 | 2025
Hello Everyone! September's Here! Before we jump into product updates, and community highlights, here's a quick spotlight! Zoho has launched a Professional Sales Rep Certification course on Coursera, tailored for sales professionals to strengthen theirUpload my theme.
Hello. I would like to upload my own theme, this one: https://themeforest.net/item/panagea-travel-and-tours-listings-template/21957086 Is it compatible and where I upload it? If not I will hire a developer, what do I have to ask when I search for one?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,Product Updates in Zoho Workplace applications | September 2025
Hello Workplace Community, Let’s take a look at the new features and enhancements that went live across all Workplace applications this September. Zoho Mail Attach email as EML file in Compose Effortlessly attach emails as EML file in Compose by simply🤝 Rencontres, partage et inspiration au Zoho Community Meetup de novembre
Chers utilisateurs, Bonne nouvelle 🎉 : notre Meetup Zoho Community approche, et nous serions ravis de vous y voir ! 📍 Toulouse : le 25 novembre 📍 Lyon : le 27 novembre (🎯 Il ne reste que quelques places !) Que vous soyez débutant ou utilisateur avancé,Need Help Mapping GST Registration Number Field Between Zoho Books & Zoho CRM + Slow Sync Issues
am facing an issue with field mapping between Zoho Books and Zoho CRM. I want to map the GST Registration Number field from the Customer module in Zoho Books to a custom GST field inside the Accounts module in Zoho CRM. However, I am getting a warningNotification received when self-assigning tickets
When I assign tickets in Zoho Desk the relevant agent gets a notification email. When assigning myself a ticket in Zoho Desk, I get a notification email. Now, as I am the person who assigned the ticket to myself, getting a notification in this regardNouveauté dans Zoho Writer - Création de documents et de modèles assistée par l'IA
Zia, l’assistant IA de Zoho Writer, soutient les utilisateurs dans l’amélioration de leur écriture et la création de contenus : correction orthographique et grammaticale en temps réel, suggestions adaptées au contexte, détection du plagiat, révisionsSession Expired
I constantly get "Session Expired" and need to relogin or close and open the application again. This gets really frustrating during the day. Is this something that can be solved? This really makes me want to leave the app as it is no go to need to reopenIntegrate your Outlook/ Office 365 inbox with Zoho CRM via Graph API
Hello folks, In addition to the existing IMAP and POP options, you can now integrate your Outlook/Office 365 inbox with Zoho CRM via Graph API. Why did we add this option? Microsoft Graph API offers a single endpoint to access data from across Microsoft’sDisable Buttons for Users with Profiles without permission
Hey, I've noticed that users without permission of setting up things in the marketplace, can still see the icon: On a click, you see this: It would be way better, if they couldn't see this menu icon at all. (Aside from the fact that it completely misplacedMapping a new Ticket in Zoho Desk to an Account or Deal in Zoho CRM manually
Is there any way for me to map an existing ticket in Zoho desk to an account or Deal within Zoho CRM? Sometimes people use different email to put in a ticket than the one that we have in the CRM, but it's still the same person. We would like to be ableZoho製品と生成AIツールの活用について
いつもありがとうございます。 弊社では、Zoho Oneを契約し、CRMを軸として、見込み客の管理から商談、その後の受注や請求の管理、サポート業務（Desk）、業務データのレポーティング（Analytics）などを行っております。 Zohoサービス自体には、Ziaというツールが搭載されているかと存じますが、それ以外の外部の生成AIツールと連携した活用などもできるのでしょうか？具体的には、CopilotなどがZohoに登録されているデータや情報を見て、対話型で必要なデータを提示してくれたり、商談や蓄積されたメモなどを分析してユーザが知見を得られるような活用ができないか、と考えております。Zoho Analytics - Make text clickable in underlying data
Hi Community, I have a simple sales report based on a Invoice query table. I have included a link on to each invoice on the table and sent the Invoice number URL to the link. This works find in the query table, but when I click underlying data on theCredit Management: #5 Advanced Refund Policy
You're subscribed to a well-known SaaS design tool. You've used it to manage your team's projects, create marketing visuals, brochures, and so on. But your needs change over time. Your company may switch to another tool or hire an in-house designer whoExported Slide Image Lacks Portion of the Background Image
This does not always happen, but when I export (or "download") the rendered image of a slide, it sometimes lacks a portion of the background image. I created a sample slide deck to demonstrate it and shared it with the admins. It is also publicly availableHow to create a Zoho Mail extension similar to Outlook's OnSend add-in?
Hi, I want to create a Zoho Mail extension similar to Outlook’s OnSend add-in. The extension should: Let the user select headers and footers from a taskpane while composing an email. When the user clicks Send, the extension should: Automatically insertEffective Inbox Organization: Folders vs Tags in Zoho Mail?
I'm exploring the best ways to organize a busy inbox, especially when managing multiple clients or project using Zoho Mail. I’d love to know what works best for others: 1. Do you prefer **folders** (possibly with sub-folders) for each client or project?Piss poor service in Support in Domains and email
Srijith Narayanan B contacted me today. Very pleasant fellow. Just didn't want to tell him how bad your support service is. You help the person, but you leave before we can finish the next stage. Which causes a lot of frustration. It's been 8 days nowZoho Mail android app update: Block & reject future emails, Report phishing, Spam alerts, Suspicious URL detection
Hello everyone! In the most recent Zoho Mail Android app update, we have brought in support for the following features: Block & reject future emails Report Phishing Spam alerts in the mail details screen. Suspicious URL detection. Block & reject futureZohomail does not support additional fields in mailto links
Hello, I set up Zohomail as default composer in Firefox according to manual here: https://www.zoho.com/mail/help/defaultcomposer.html#alink2 Later, I wanted to use this functionality to answer in a Linux mailing list thread using mailto link: mailto:xxxxx@kernel.org?In-Reply-To=%3C727o0521-q24p-s0qq-66n0-sn436rpqqr1p@example.com%3E&Cc=xxxxx%example.org&Subject=Re%3A%20%5BPATCH%20v2%28%29Emails not being received from a particular domain
Cannot receive any emails sent from atco.com Domain is in the spam whitelist so should be no reason for it not to be coming through. Have filed a ticket and besides a generic response of we are looking at it - it seems there is no actual support workersEmail address for forwarding is not saving and there's no confirmation ema
Steps to reproduce: 1. Enter my forward email in the email forward section of the account 2. Click save 3. See a notification stating saved successfully 4. Refresh the page, no forward email is saved 5. No email confirmation received at the forwardingThis domain is not allowed to add in Zoho. Please contact support-as@zohocorp.com for further details
This is the error i keep getting when trying to use my Zoho Domain Mail. This domain is not allowed to add in Zoho. Please contact support-as@zohocorp.com for further details Find attached. I hope this can be resolved very quickly so i can go on and makeAuto CC - Moving Departments
We have Auto CC e-mail replies to your support mailbox enabled. We have two departments: Helpdesk (helpdesk@domain.com) Delivery (delivery@domain.com) If we create a Helpdesk ticket, and reply, replies are CC'd to helpdesk@domain.com (OK) We then moveunable to send message reason 554 5.1.8 Email outgoing blocked
unable to send message reason 554 5.1.8 Email outgoing blockedNext Page