Upcoming Updates - May-June 2022

Upcoming Updates - May-June 2022

Hi all,

Greetings from the Zoho Creator team! We're looking forward to delivering on all the exciting updates we previously announced for you. In this update, we'll be going over:

  • Revising developer permissions
  • API limitations on workflow looping
  • Standardizing link names of subfields in composite fields
  • Introducing the Select All option for choices and records in mobile apps
Apart from this, we're working on delivering the following by the end of this month:

  • Introducing ManageEngine AppCreator
  • Migration of users and permissions from C4 to C5
Developer permissions

Previously, when you (the admin) shared apps with developers, they were able to create lookup fields that look up data from other apps (that were not shared with the developer). From now, to ensure data privacy and security for Creator apps, the developers with whom you have shared apps, will no longer have access to such lookup fields in the shared app. In other words, the developer will not be able to add lookup fields from other unshared apps. They can continue to use the lookup fields added by the admin in live mode, but cannot make changes to its field properties. This gives you control over what you can share, and prevents unintended exposure of information.
Also, the developer will not be able to perform the following actions when the shared app contains lookup fields that look up data from other unshared apps:
  • Duplicating a form
  • Back up and restore
  • Import a .ds file
  • Publish an app from Sandbox 
To enable the developers to edit such lookup fields, you can perform these actions in your scope or share the other apps with the developer. 

API limitations on workflow looping

We've recently identified that a particular usage of API requests leads to a cyclical looping of workflow actions, which in turn leads to performance issues. This post is going to explain both the problem and the solutions we've come up with for it.

Problem scenarios
You can create a workflow with an API request On Load, On User Input, On Validate, and On Success (Add/Update) of a form. It's been observed that some users tend to incorrectly use API calls to add data in the same form or other forms in the same application. This causes a chain of workflows allowing API calls to be repeatedly used in the same manner, creating a loop. 

Let's assume Form A triggers a workflow and uses an API call on successful form submission to add another record to the same form. This cycle continues, allowing the workflow to run repeatedly in a loop, with data getting added to the same form endlessly. 


Similarly, there are two related forms—Form A and Form B. On successful submission of Form A, an API call is used to add a record in Form B, which in turn hits another API call, submitting another record in Form A and continuing the same pattern, adding records in both the forms over and over again. Both these scenarios prove that they lead to an endless loop of workflows.

This pattern is observed in applications with requirement for repetition of the same action or when multiple actions need to be executed in a sequence.

Limiting API calls
As a measure to stop this looping and avoid the subsequent performance dip, we're limiting the API calls that can be triggered in a workflow action.
Going forward, the following behaviour can be observed:
  • Same form: Workflow execution will be limited to one loop, for actions that add records to the same form. That is, the workflow will only be triggered once.
  • Related forms: Workflow execution will be limited to three loops for actions that add records to other forms. That is, the workflow will be triggered thrice, allowing records to be added in three forms, after which it will cease to trigger.
Alternative options
For repetitive workflows actions, or if there is a need for multiple actions, users should create functions and use them wherever required. This will avoid the need for unnecessary API requests. 

If this doesn't meet your requirement, please write to us at support@zohocreator.com. We will assess your requirement and find suitable alternatives.

Composite fields: Link names of subfields 

Currently, the link names of the subfields of composite fields, such as name and address, get appended with an incrementing number as we keep adding multiple fields of the same type in a form. For example, if you've added two address fields in the same form, then the link names for the subfields of the second field will be address_line_12, address_line_22, and so on.

We are now fixing this, such that the link names remain the same for all the subfields, irrespective of the number of fields of the same type. In other words, if you have more than one address field in the same form, then the link names for the subfields of the remaining address fields will be address_line_1, address_line_2, and so on. This fix is aimed at improving the readability and subsequent usage of the link names of such fields. 

Note:
  • DC migration will be done from our end to update the subfields' link names and we will keep you updated about the same (migration date and its status).
  • Common link names will be used for the subfields of any newly added composite field and also for new Creator signups.
We request users who have used custom link names to make note of the following changes:
  • After migration, API requests that contain custom link names for subfields will not work. Instead, you can use their common link names. If you're using Creator Meta APIs to get the subfield link names, then the link name will be automatically changed once the migration is completed.
  • If you've used custom link names for subfields anywhere in your app (manually), they won't work post-migration. In such cases, the custom link name should be replaced with the common link name. For example, consider the below cases: 
    •  Using a composite subfield as a query param in:
      • Form access URL
      • Redirect to (website URL)
      • OpenURL (Deluge)
    • Using a composite subfield in ZML snippets: The existing ZML snippet component will break, since we don't process a ZML snippet unless it is accessed through live.

Select All option for choices and records in mobile apps

You can now select and deselect all the options in a report using the Select All option in the following cases:
  • To select all the choices in multi select fields
  • To select all records in a report
This option will be available in the following components:

Forms
You can simultaneously select all the choices listed in the bottom slider using the Select All option. This option is supported in the following fields:
  • Multi select
  • Checkbox
  • Lookup as multi select (can select the loaded records)
  • Lookup as checkbox (can select the loaded records)


Reports
When performing bulk actions on records, you can select a maximum of 1,000 records that are displayed in the current report using the Select All option. You can also deselect them by clicking the Deselect All option.


AppCreator - ManageEngine

AppCreator is an application-building platform based on the principles of LCAD (low-code application development). It enables developers to build powerful, custom applications rapidly and launch them on the premises of your organization, rather than at a remote facility (such as cloud). You have complete control over your data as well as the infrastructural set up. Data stays in your private network (intranet), nobody other than your organization's users has access to the information. 

AppCreator, with its set of feature-rich low-code tools, helps improve the throughput of IT app development teams—requiring fewer resources for projects and taking up to one-tenth less time than when using traditional methods. This product also empowers IT teams to collaborate, develop, deploy, and maintain applications and workflows while meeting data residency, security, and compliance needs. 

These low-code applications encourage citizen developers in their organizations to build robust apps with less code. This helps IT teams focus on business-critical projects while citizen developers create lighter business apps—all the while providing IT teams with the power to administer how the platform is used inside the organization. This will also help in improving tech adoption at organizations, thereby increasing business-IT synergy.
Here's a presentation that outlines the key benefits and features of the platform.

When will AppCreator be available?
We plan to launch AppCreator towards the beginning of June 2022, and we will keep you updated as we move forward.
Here's to kicking off a low-code revolution among ME users in 2022!

Migration of users and permissions from C4 to C5

Last year, we made an announcement regarding the final step of the C5 upgrade process in this post. The final step of this migration will now happen for upgrading the Sharing module (profiles in C4) to the latest version (C5). This upgrade applies to users who are currently using old sharing in C5 and have not yet upgraded to the new sharing. This process will be available in the upcoming weeks and you will be notified via email prior to the migration. You (the admin/developer) of each application has to follow a minimal-step process in order to confirm the upgrade after viewing the preview of each auto-generated permissions set corresponding to the old sharing profiles.
Once all the applications' sharing is upgraded, all the permissions and other configurations for Users and Customer Portal will be upgraded to C5, and the entire upgrade to C5 is now complete. This process will be available in the upcoming weeks and you will be notified via email prior to the migration. 

That's all for now!

Thanks,
The Zoho Creator team.



    Access your files securely from anywhere

        All-in-one knowledge management and training platform for your employees and customers.






                              Zoho Developer Community




                                                    • Desk Community Learning Series


                                                    • Digest


                                                    • Functions


                                                    • Meetups


                                                    • Kbase


                                                    • Resources


                                                    • Glossary


                                                    • Desk Marketplace


                                                    • MVP Corner


                                                    • Word of the Day


                                                    • Ask the Experts





                                                              Manage your brands on social media



                                                                    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

                                                                                        • CRM Community Learning Series

                                                                                          CRM Community Learning Series


                                                                                        • Kaizen

                                                                                          Kaizen

                                                                                        • Functions

                                                                                          Functions

                                                                                        • Meetups

                                                                                          Meetups

                                                                                        • Kbase

                                                                                          Kbase

                                                                                        • Resources

                                                                                          Resources

                                                                                        • Digest

                                                                                          Digest

                                                                                        • CRM Marketplace

                                                                                          CRM Marketplace

                                                                                        • MVP Corner

                                                                                          MVP Corner







                                                                                            Design. Discuss. Deliver.

                                                                                            Create visually engaging stories with Zoho Show.

                                                                                            Get Started Now


                                                                                              Zoho Show Resources

                                                                                                Zoho Writer

                                                                                                Get Started. Write Away!

                                                                                                Writer is a powerful online word processor, designed for collaborative work.

                                                                                                  Zoho CRM コンテンツ



                                                                                                    Nederlandse Hulpbronnen


                                                                                                        ご検討中の方




                                                                                                                • Recent Topics

                                                                                                                • Feature Request - A Way To Search Item Groups

                                                                                                                  Hi Inventory Team, I can't find any way to filter or search by fields of Item Groups. It would be great to see that functionality added. I have a use case where a single product might come from 5 or more suppliers and each supplier's item is an Item in
                                                                                                                • Zoho Books/Inventory - Update Marketplace Sales Order via API

                                                                                                                  Hi everyone, Does anyone know if there is a way to update Sales Orders created from a marketplace intigration (Shopify in this case) via API? I'm trying to cover a scenario where an order is changed on the Shopify end and the changes must be reflected
                                                                                                                • Ticket id issues

                                                                                                                  When I reply a ticket from desktop, it doesn't have ticket id in the subject and it's great. When I reply a ticket from Zoho desk mobile, Zoho adds ticket id in the subject and I don't want that. Please help in this matter.
                                                                                                                • Advanced email configuration - agent's name vs. department name

                                                                                                                  We currently have all four Advanced Configuration options turned ON at the Global-level (Channels > Email > Advanced Configuration) - including the "Show Agent name in Ticket replies and outgoing emails" option. We also had that same option turned ON
                                                                                                                • Add Bounced as an Email Action / Notification for Bounced Emails

                                                                                                                  This is one of the hard requirements for the clients we're servicing. They want to get an internal email notification whenever the email they sent to their contacts have bounced, so that they can look into it and update the email address. Currently, the
                                                                                                                • Files Uploaded to Zoho WorkDrive Not Being Indexed by Search Engines

                                                                                                                  Hello, I have noticed that the files I upload to Zoho WorkDrive are not being indexed by search engines, including Google. I’d like to understand why this might be happening and what steps I can take to resolve it. Here are the details of my issue: File
                                                                                                                • not able to convert pdf to jpg and other forms and vice versa.

                                                                                                                  i want to change my pdf to jpg, word, etc and some times jpg to pdf. i don't know how to do in this.
                                                                                                                • What’s New in Zoho Analytics - March 2026

                                                                                                                  Hello Users! In this month's update, we bring improvements across integrations, security, reporting, and analytics capabilities to help you work with your data more efficiently and with greater control. Explore what’s new and see how these enhancements
                                                                                                                • Zoho People > Performance Management > Appraisal cycle

                                                                                                                  Hello All I am using this 2 users to test out how it work on Performance Management User 1 - Reportee User 2 - Reporting Manager : Li Ting Haley User 1 : Self Appraisal Error How do i fix this error?
                                                                                                                • SalesIQ Tip for Admins: Guide Operators in Real-time Without Interrupting the Chat

                                                                                                                  Consider this. You're a supervisor and you're looking through the active conversations. An associate is mid-chat with a high-value prospect. The prospect asks something unexpected, maybe about a tailor-made subscription plan or a bulk discount that’s
                                                                                                                • Early Access: Check Printing in Zoho Books

                                                                                                                  Hello Everyone,   Are you constantly writing checks to pay your vendors?   We've got a great news to share with you! You can now pay your vendors by writing and printing a check directly from Zoho Books. The feature is ready and we'll be rolling it out to our customers in phases.  It is available in the  US Edition of Zoho Books and also in the Global edition, where the country is selected as USA and the currency is USD.   Here’s a summary of what’s possible:   1. Write and print a check. 2. Make
                                                                                                                • Connecting Zoho Inventory to ShipStation

                                                                                                                  we are looking for someone to help connect via API shipStation with Zoho inventory. Any ideas? Thanks. Uri
                                                                                                                • Syncing zoho books into zoho crm

                                                                                                                  I was wondering how I can use zoho books in crm as I have been using them separately and would like to sync the two. Is this possible and if so, how? Thanks
                                                                                                                • Zoho no support response.

                                                                                                                  Problem is Zoho support seems to be just a concept. Just completing my trial, am ready to purchae 3 user subscriptions pending answer to a question, submitted two suport request during my trial that weren't responded to. Gave up trying the 888 line. Hard to imagine my production data in hosting environment with no support response.
                                                                                                                • Updating transaction number series for fiscal year 2026-2027 in Zoho POS

                                                                                                                  A fiscal year or financial year is a 12-month period that businesses follow to manage and track their financial activities such as expenses, revenue, and taxes. This doesn't need to match the calendar year (JAN-DEC) and varies based on region, and tax
                                                                                                                • Lack of Looping and Carry-Forward Functionality in Zoho Survey

                                                                                                                  Zoho Survey currently does not support looping or carry-forward functionality, meaning it is not possible to dynamically generate follow-up questions based on each option selected in a previous question or to pipe selected responses (such as {Looping
                                                                                                                • Forecast in Zoho CRM Just Got Smarter with an upgraded Zia Intelligence

                                                                                                                  Hello Everyone, We are here with an interesting enhancement to Forecasts in Zoho CRM — Enhanced Zia Insights for your sales Forecast. Imagine a regional sales manager reviewing their team’s performance using forecasts in Zoho CRM. Instead of switching
                                                                                                                • Update TDS and TCS rates for Income Tax Act, 2025 (effective April 1, 2026)

                                                                                                                  Hello everyone, The Income-tax Rules, 2026 (G.S.R. 198(E), dated March 20, 2026) have been notified, marking a significant structural shift in India’s direct tax framework. From April 1, 2026, the Income Tax Act, 2025 replaces the Income Tax Act, 1961.
                                                                                                                • Service line items

                                                                                                                  Hello Latha, Could you please let me know the maximum number of service line items that can be added to a single work order? Thanks, Chethiya.
                                                                                                                • Automation Series: Auto-assign Resources as Task Owners

                                                                                                                  In Zoho Projects, task ownership can be set automatically during task creation, allowing resources to be assigned based on the task name. Resources are work equipment or tools added to the portal to monitor their usage across projects. They can be assigned
                                                                                                                • Subform edits don't appear in parent record timeline?

                                                                                                                  Is it possible to have subform edits (like add row/delete row) appear in the Timeline for parent records? A user can edit a record, only edit the subform, and it doesn't appear in the timeline. Is there a workaround or way that we can show when a user
                                                                                                                • AI secretary

                                                                                                                  In our company, Claude is the secretary and creates inquiries and schedules from Gmail. You no longer have to enter them yourself. The secret is that we created an MCP server that connects to CRM. https://x.com/Mac_nishio/status/1917954562566328694
                                                                                                                • 5 small changes to Recruit that make a big difference

                                                                                                                  Sometimes, the biggest improvements aren’t new features, they’re small changes that make everyday actions feel smoother. Over the past few weeks, we’ve made a few such updates across Zoho Recruit. They’re subtle, but together, they remove friction from
                                                                                                                • Project Management Bulletin: March, 2026

                                                                                                                  We are passionate about equipping our users with efficient solutions that help them run their businesses successfully. Our collective efforts over the past 2 years have culminated in the launch of Sprints 3.0— built with reliable features, impactful integrations,
                                                                                                                • New security enhancements for portal users: MFA and password management

                                                                                                                  Hello everyone, We are excited to announce three major security enhancements that are now available to portal users in Zoho CRM: Organization-wide multi-authentication for portal users - Admins can enforce multi-factor authentication across the entire
                                                                                                                • [Free Webinar] Learning Table Series 2026 – Customer agreement & contract management using Zoho Creator

                                                                                                                  Hello everyone, We’re excited to announce the next session in Learning Table Series 2026, where we will continue with our purpose-driven approach—focusing on how Zoho Creator’s features help solve real-world business challenges. Each session in this series
                                                                                                                • Zoho Payroll's USA and KSA editions are available in Zoho One!

                                                                                                                  Greetings! We’re excited to share that Zoho Payroll, currently available only in India and the UAE, is now introducing the KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) edition and the USA (United States of America) edition, and these editions are now available in Zoho
                                                                                                                • Looking for Guidance on Building a Zoho Website

                                                                                                                  I'm exploring the possibility of building a custom website with specific features using Zoho as an alternative platform. My goal is to create something similar to https://gtasandresapk.com , with the same kind of functionality and user experience. I'd
                                                                                                                • Multilingual website feature

                                                                                                                  Would be a great feature to have. I saw that this feature was available for backstage. I think it could be done for zoho sites too.
                                                                                                                • [Webinar] Modernize your sales engine with agentic analytics

                                                                                                                  Traditional sales decision-making methods aren't cut out for modern businesses. Leveraging AI in sales helps businesses actively respond to the changing dynamics of the market. Agentic AI is letting sales teams across industries make better decisions
                                                                                                                • Built-in Date Functions in Zoho Analytics Query Tables

                                                                                                                  I have a doubt about whether Zoho Analytics Query Tables provide built-in functions for start date, end date, and the current month
                                                                                                                • Zoho Commerce in multiple languages

                                                                                                                  When will you be able to offer Zoho Commerce in more languages? We sell in multiple markets and want to be able to offer a local version of our webshop. What does the roadmap look like?
                                                                                                                • Nimble enhancements to WhatsApp for Business integration in Zoho CRM: Enjoy context and clarity in business messaging

                                                                                                                  Dear Customers, We hope you're well! WhatsApp for business is a renowned business messaging platform that takes your business closer to your customers; it gives your business the power of personalized outreach. Using the WhatsApp for Business integration
                                                                                                                • Connectivity issues with Google Calendar and third-party integrations

                                                                                                                  Description: We are currently experiencing a critical failure with Zoho CRM third-party connections. This issue is heavily affecting our primary workflow. Symptoms: Sync Failure: Existing Zoho CRM to Google Calendar connections have been failing for approximately
                                                                                                                • Dynamic image in form works in the app but not on the customer portal.

                                                                                                                  img = frm_Fichas[ID == input.Nombre].Foto; imgno = Nophoto[ID2 = 1].Image; if(len(img) > 1) { img = img.replaceAll("/sharedBy/appLinkName/",zoho.appuri); img = img.replaceAll("viewLinkName","Fichas_de_personal_public"); img = img.replaceAll("fieldName","Foto");
                                                                                                                • Incorrect Functioning of Time Logs API (Version 3)

                                                                                                                  We need to fetch the list of time logs for each task for our company internal usage. We are trying to achieve it by using the next endpoint: https://projects.zoho.com/api-docs#bulk-time-logs#get-all-project-time-logs Firstly, in the documentation the
                                                                                                                • How can I export all Deluge code across the application?

                                                                                                                  I’m working on a application with multiple forms, reports, and HTML views, where Deluge scripts are used across workflows, field actions, and custom functions. Is there a way to export all Deluge scripts into a single file for easier search?
                                                                                                                • First Name in Mail

                                                                                                                  While sending a mail/message to the user, I want only the first name to be displayed—for example: “Hi John” instead of the full name using "Hi ${Name_Field}"
                                                                                                                • Can you import projects into Zoho Projects yet?

                                                                                                                  I see some very old posts asking about importing project records into Zoho Projects. But I can't find anything up to date about the topic. Has this functionality been added? Importing tasks is helpful. But we do have a project where importing projects
                                                                                                                • Updating Sales orders on hold

                                                                                                                  Surely updating irrelevant fields such as shipping date should be allowed when sales orders are awaiting back orders? Maybe the PO is going to be late arriving so we have to change the shipment date of the Sales order ! Not even allowed through the api - {"code":36014,"message":"Sales orders that have been shipped or on hold cannot be updated."}
                                                                                                                • Next Page