Zoho Creator Upcoming Updates — May 2024

Hello all!

We're back after a brief break with our latest monthly post, packed with exciting new features:

During actions in Blueprint
Widget configuration
Subform column freeze
Data types in formula fields
Maximum character limits

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During actions in Blueprint

Adding to the customization options available in blueprints, we'll be introducing a new during section that enables the collection of data from the transition owner when performing transitions. Under this new section, you can choose to either update fields or open a form.

Update fields - This enables you to select specific form fields to display during a transition. You also have the option to skip on-edit workflows while updating these fields.

Open a form - This allows you to specify which form should be opened during the transition. This form opens as a pop-up, and only after successful form submission will the transition be completed.

Business value
You'll be able to mandate data that needs to be collected from a transition owner while performing a transition and this data entry can also be used to trigger workflows.

Applicable for: C5, C6

Availability: All DCs
Released on: 02-Jul-24
Reference: Understand stages and transitions

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Widget configuration

We're thrilled to announce enhanced customization capabilities for widgets in Zoho Creator. With the all-new widget configuration feature, you can have complete control over customizing the components within a widget, specific to an application.

The latest update allows for configuring widget fields in the manifest.json file during the widget creation process. This means you can define variable fields within the widget to accommodate dynamic values and make use of a single widget across multiple applications.

How will it work?

While creating a widget, you can edit the config section in the manifest.json file to name the fields and specify the component type.
When you add the widget to your page, the Widget Configuration menu will slide in from the right, listing out the configurable fields.

Use case

Let's assume you have two software applications, an employee management application and an HR management application. It's essential to maintain records on both application dashboards whenever an employee checks in or out of the organization. To streamline this process, a unified widget can be created, and its fields can be configured dynamically using the manifest.json file.

Business value
Widget configuration opens up a world of possibilities for adding a personalized touch to your applications. In addition to its adaptability to various contexts, this feature fosters reusability, allowing the widget to be utilized across multiple applications.

Applicable for: C5, C6

Availability: All DCs
Released on: 11-Jul-24
Reference: Understand Widgets

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Subform column freeze

We'll be rolling out a new enhancement aimed at improving the editing experience within subforms containing a large number of fields. We understand the horizontal scrolling in these subforms can cause a disorienting experience, leading to a loss of focus.

To address this, we've implemented a solution: column freezing. Now, when editing subforms, the first one or two columns will automatically freeze depending on the view port, providing a stable reference point as you navigate through the remaining fields. Typically, the first two fields will be easily identifiable ones, like name and email, and therefore serve as suitable references.

Going forward, this new behavior will become the default setting and be automatically applied to all users.

See how it works

Note: This new behavior will be applicable only for forms, embedded forms, and published forms. It won't be available in PWAs or on mobile.

Business value

This behavior change will result in smoother data entry processes, minimized errors, and improved productivity.

Applicable for: C5, C6

Availability: All DCs
Released on: 12-Jul-24
Reference: Understand popup subform

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Data types in formula fields

Our formula field is a powerful feature that allows you to automatically generate a value for each record in your form, based on a predefined expression. Now, we're launching a new field type property with two options: single line (supports up to 255 characters) and multi line (supports more than 255 characters).

Going forward, the single line data type will be the default option for newly created formula fields after the rollout. Existing fields will be assigned the multi line option. However, if you switch an existing field to the single line option, only the first 255 characters will be saved.

Note: The new changes will not affect the current behavior of existing formula fields unless their 'field type' property is changed. Henceforth, any newly created formula field with the multi line data type will come with certain limitations, such as that it cannot be searched or used in pages. Therefore, if you need to use the formula field in these instances, we recommend using the single line field.

Where can I find it?
Once the rollout is complete, you'll find the data type option under the field properties of the formula field.

Business value
The new updates enhance functionality by making it easier to handle and display data, particularly for larger values, expanding the range of use cases.

Applicable for: C5, C6

Availability: All DCs
Released on: 02-Jul-24
Reference: Understand formula field

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Maximum character limits in fields

Zoho Creator supports a wide range of fields, each designed to collect a specific type of data. While many of these fields come with maximum limits, such as the 255 character limit for the single line field, others, like the rich text field, have no maximum limits.

In our ongoing efforts to standardize character limits and optimize backend performance, we're introducing limits on fields that were previously unrestricted. Going forward, these fields will support up to 64KB(i.e 65,535 characters).

The new limit will be applicable for the Rich Text and Multi line fields.

These limits are scheduled to be implemented by mid-June 2024. We understand that this change may be significant for you, so we're providing ample time for adjustment to the new limit. We request that you update your fields accordingly, to prevent any errors.

Following the rollout, exceeding the maximum limit will result in an error, and you won't be able to proceed with the form submission. Please be aware that this adjustment will also impact rich text automation conducted using the Creator API.

Applicable for: C5, C6

Availability: All DCs

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And that wraps up this month's updates! If you'd like to receive email notifications when these features are rolled out, just subscribe to our Release Notes page. Please feel free to share your thoughts on these updates in the comment section below.

Regards,
The Zoho Creator Team

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