1. Install the plugin in Claude Code 

1. Contact Zoho Creator support to get the plugin .zip file.
   
2. Open Claude Code and go to Settings -> Plugins.
   
3. Click Add -> Upload plugin and  select the .zip file you received.
   
   
4. Once installed, the Zoho Creator plugin will be available in your Claude Code projects.
   

2. Build with Zoho Creator for Claude Code 

2.1. Set your working directory 

Before starting, set the folder where your app's .ds files will be stored. Click the folder selector in the chat bar and choose a directory on your machine. Each Zoho Creator app you work on will be stored as a subfolder here.

2.2. Pick your starting point 

1. Build a new app from scratch: Open a new chat in Claude Code, set your working directory, and describe the application you want to build. You can also attach supporting files such as a BRD or a flowchart, Claude will read them and use them as the basis for what it builds.
   
2. Work on an existing app from Zoho Creator: Ask Claude to import an app from your account.
   
3. Work on a local app: Set your working directory to a folder that already contains .ds files and describe the changes you want to make.
   

2.3. Build with your prompt 

1. A plain-language description of the app you want to build
   
2. Specific requirements such as user roles, workflows, data fields, and business rules
   
3. Attachments like BRD documents, wireframes, flowcharts, or images. Claude Code reads them and uses them as the basis for what it builds
   

1. Generate an implementation plan and save it as a README.md file in your working directory. The plan is also displayed in a side panel, showing the components it intends to build (forms, reports, pages, workflows, and permissions).
   
   
2. Build the app by generating and writing the .ds files to your working directory. Progress is shown in the chat as each component is completed.
   
   
3. Compile the generated .ds files and makes the app is ready for upload to your Zoho Creator account.
   
   
4. Once the build is complete, you can continue refining by entering a new prompt to extend, modify, or fix any part of the output.

2.4. Deploy to Zoho Creator 

1. In the chat, ask Claude to upload to Zoho Creator.
   
2. If this is your first time, Claude will prompt you to sign in. A browser window will open asking you to log in to your Zoho Creator account and authorize access.
   
3. If your account has multiple workspaces, you will be prompted to select one.
   
4. Claude uploads the app to your Zoho Creator account directly from the .ds files in your working directory. If the upload encounters an error, Claude automatically diagnoses and resolves it before attempting the upload again. For errors that cannot be resolved automatically, it will stop and suggest raising a support ticket with Zoho Creator support.
   
5. Once the upload is complete, open your Zoho Creator account to access and test the app.
   

3. Best practices 

1. Be specific in your prompts: The more detail you provide, the closer the output will be to what you need. Include information about the type of users, key workflows, data fields, and any business rules.
   

4. Token consumption & performance 

1. Tokens are consumed from your Claude Code account based on your active plan.
   
2. Larger and more complex apps consume more tokens per session.
   
3. Attaching files or providing detailed inline requirements will enhance the accuracy of output but increases token usage .
   
4. Rate limits and response times depend on your Claude Code plan and Anthropic's API availability at the time of the request.
   

5. Related Topics

1. Build Anywhere
   
2. Zoho Creator AI Studio for VS Code