Creating applications with AI using Zia App Builder | Zoho Creator Help

Creating applications using build mode with Zia App Builder

What does this page cover
Learn how to use Build mode in Zia App Builder to create functional Zoho Creator applications from your prompts by generating practical use cases and working components. Before you proceed, learn how Zia App Builder works.
Availability
  1. Zia is available only for paid plans of Creator.
  2. Only super admins and admins can configure Zia and enable the Create Application feature.
  3. Super admins, admins, and developers can build and manage AI assisted applications with Zia, while other users can access the apps in live mode based on their assigned permissions.
  4. When using Build mode with Zoho GenAI as the LLM provider, workflow are not generated automatically. Configure these features manually after the application is created.
  5. Prompts can be submitted in languages other than English, but when using Zoho GenAI as the LLM provider, the generated use cases and application are always created in English. To generate use cases and applications in the same language as your prompt, use an external LLM providers.
  6. Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI are supported in all data centers except in CN.
  7. Zoho GenAI is supported in all data centers except in CN, JP, and SA.

1. Prerequisites

  1. Build mode in Zia App Builder uses the Large Language Model (LLM) provider configured in Zia to process prompts. Zoho GenAI is configured as the default LLM provider, and OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google can be configured as alternatives. Configuring Zia is a one-time process that enables all Zia-powered features, including Zia App Builder. Learn how to configure Zia
Security tip:
  1. Zoho GenAI LLM processes all prompts within Zoho, while external LLM providers process data in their own systems. Avoid sharing sensitive or regulated information when using external providers.
  2. Zia App Builder does not consume any AI calls or API calls from Zoho Creator. However, using Zoho GenAI with Zia App Builder consumes Development AI Credits, while usage with external LLM providers is accounted by the respective service provider. You can view your Development AI Credits usage in the Billing section.
  1. Once Zia is configured, enable the Access toggle for Create Application feature and associate it with the preferred LLM provider.
Notes
Note: If you've already configured Zia by integrating with the preferred LLM provider, ensure the Access toggle for Create Application feature is enabled and it is associated with the LLM provider.

2. Steps to create an application using Zia App Builder

  1. Navigate to the dashboard of your Creator account. You will land in the Solutions module by default.
  2. Click + Create Solution in the top-right corner of the dashboard and select the Applications card to start building an application.
  3. Choose the Create using Zia card to open Zia App Builder.
    4. NotesNote: If Zia integration hasn’t been configured before, click Configure on the Create using Zia card. In the popup that appears, click Open Zia Settings. You will be directed to the Zia page, where you can set up Zia to enable application creation.
    InfoInfo: By default, Build mode will be selected, If you want to refine and plan your application switch to Plan mode. Learn how to Create applications using plan mode with Zia App Builder
  4. Enter your application requirements in the prompt field using text, attachments, or both, then press Enter or click the Send icon (). Learn how to write effective prompts for Zia App Builder
    1. Text - Describe the application you want to create in detail for optimal results.
    2. File - Click Attachment icon () and attach files that outline the application objectives or pictorially represent the application flow, such as a PRD, BRD, RFP, or any relevant process diagrams.
      3. NotesNote:
      1. The text input can contain a maximum of 1000 characters.
      2. The file input can include either 1 document or up to 3 images.
      3. The supported file formats are:
        1. Image - PNG, JPG, JPEG, WEBP
        2. Document - PDF, and TXT
      4. It is recommended for your prompt to have both a file and text input that covers more specifications to help Zia generate more tailored use cases for you.
  5. Review the AI-generated use cases and the visualized data model, including the necessary tables based on those use cases. You can:
    1. Click Generate to add a new AI-generated use case relevant to your application.
    2. Click Add Custom to type a use case that you have in mind.
    3. Hover over a use case and click the bin icon () to remove a use case that does not align with the application's needs.
      1. Notes
        Note: By default, five use cases will be generated. You can generate or add more use cases till a maximum count of 10 in total.
  6. Click Create Application to initiate the creation process based on the displayed data model. It builds forms that receive and store input data, reports that display this data, dashboards that present key metrics and performance indicators, and designs the application style for a visual appeal.
    1. Notes
      Note: The number of forms, reports, and dashboards that are created varies according to the use cases.
  7. Click Access Application once the creation process is complete to open the application in live mode, where you will land on the application dashboard. The application includes sample data to support your testing needs.

2.1. Connecting a table to another service to create an integration form

In a data model, some use cases may require a connection to another Zoho or other external service for data synchronization. To achieve this, Zia App Builder suggests linking these tables to the target service using relevant connections. If such tables are successfully linked, they will be converted into integration forms within the resulting application.
Notes
Note: Zia App Builder will search for the following supported services when a use case has a relevant requirement: Zoho CRM, Zoho Recruit,  Zoho Projects, Zoho People, Zoho BugTracker, and QuickBooks.
Let's look at a few scenarios that you might come across about a table being linked to a service.
Scenario
Description
Steps to be followed
1. Zia App Builder automatically connects a table to a relevant service.
In certain use cases, data synchronization may require linking a table to an additional service. If Zia App Builder detects a relevant service with an active and authorized connection in the Microservices module, it will automatically establish the connection for the table. It will also link to the appropriate module in that service using a datasource. After the application is created, the table will function as an integration form.
Notes
Note: If multiple connections to one or more relevant services are available, Zia App Builder will randomly connect to one of them.
-
2. Zia App Builder lists potential services but could not connect the table to any of them.
In certain use cases, data synchronization may require linking a table to an additional service. App Builder will list the relevant services but will not have connected to them, as the connection may be one of the following in the Microservices module
  1. Disabled - The connection's functionality is inactive
  2. Not connected - The connection is unauthorized
  3. Unavailable - No connection has been created for this service:
In such cases, a connection can be created or linked from Zia App Builder, and its configuration will be synced in the Microservices module. Post establishing the connection, Zia App Builder will link to the appropriate module in that service using a datasource. After the application is created, the table will function as an integration form.
Notes
Note: If a table is not connected to service, post application creation, the table will function as a normal form with default Creator fields.
1. Click the Connect dropdown in the top-right corner of the target table.

2. Click Connect next to the service you want to use from the list under Available Services.

Once a table is connected to a service, you may choose to link it to another available service or select a different datasource.
Scenario
Steps to be followed
1. Change to another relevant service - A table can be linked to a different service if required. To do so, the existing connection must first be disconnected, after which the table can be linked to the target service.
1. Click the Connect dropdown in the top-right corner of the target table, then click Disconnect next to the existing service to remove the integration.
2. Click Connect next to the required service below Available Services to integrate with it.
2. Change to another relevant datasource (module) for a connection - If a different module of the service better suits the use case, you can link the table to it. To do this, simply add the required datasource for the connection and use it.
1. Click the connection dropdown in the top-right of the target table, then click +Create New Datasource under Connected Datasource.
2. Choose the required module from the Create Datasource popup and click Create to link to it.

3. Points to note

  1. Zia App Builder includes sample data in your application during creation to test the various features Creator offers. Remember to delete it manually before using the application for your requirements.
  2. While AI enhances the application creation process, it’s crucial to verify the accuracy and relevance of AI-generated use cases and the resulting application. This ensures proper functionality and alignment with user needs.
  3. Zoho GenAI LLM processes all prompts within Zoho, while external LLM providers process data in their own systems. Avoid sharing sensitive or regulated information when using external providers.
  4. You can generate and/or add only up to five use cases while creating application.
  5. AI-generated use cases and custom use cases will be collectively used to aid in relevant application creation. This means that all use cases generated may or may not be used during creation. You can regenerate those use cases or proceed to create your AI-assisted application.
  6. Relevant data tables will be generated automatically considering your app description, based on which your app will be built.
  7. The following field types are not supported and will neither be displayed during creation of AI-assisted applications and forms nor will be suggested while generating fields using Zia.
    1. Advanced fields: Rich text, Image, Subform, Signature, File upload, Audio, Video, and Formula
    2. Special fields: Section, Notes, Users, and Integration
    3. AI fields: prediction, sentiment analysis, keyword extraction, OCR, and object detection
  8. The sample data generated with the application is intended for testing purposes only. It is entirely fictitious, and no real association or inference should be made.
  9. When using Build mode with Zoho GenAI as the LLM provider, workflows are not generated automatically. Configure these features manually after the application is created.
  10. Prompts can be submitted in languages other than English, but when using Zoho GenAI as the LLM provider, the generated use cases and application are always created in English. To generate use cases and applications in the same language as your prompt, use a LLM providers.
  11. Build mode of Zia App Builder does not consume any AI calls or API calls or Development AI Credits from Zoho Creator. 
  12. API rate limits apply when using Zia App Builder. These limits are restrictions that the LLM provider imposes on the number of times a user or client can access their services within a specified period of time, and vary based on their usage tier and the model consumed.
    1. OpenAI rate limits
    2. Google Gemini rate limits
    3. Anthropic rate limits
  13. Along with your prompts, our system will add supplementary prompts to enhance the accuracy of the application creation process. These system prompts will also contribute to your AI usage.
  14. When multiple AI features are used in quick succession, the configured provider’s rate limit may be exceeded. This can result in errors or temporary interruption of AI powered functionality.
  1. Understanding application creation with AI using Zia App Builder
  2. Creating applications using plan mode with Zia App Builder
  3. Understand Zia features in Creator
  4. Create forms using Zia assistance
  5. Generate field suggestions for AI assisted forms
  6. Writing effective prompts for Zia App Builder in Zoho Creator