Platform and deployment overview

Platform specifications

Info
In a nutshell
Zoho Creator is a cloud-based, low code application development platform that offers flexible deployment options, including cloud and hybrid deployment. To build or access applications, users only need a supported modern web browser, a stable internet connection, and a Zoho account.
This document outlines the platform’s core operational framework, covering deployment models, system and browser compatibility, software and hardware requirements, data center locations, version management, continuous updates, and data localization practices. It provides a structured understanding of the infrastructure, compliance, and operational considerations associated with Zoho Creator.

1. Supported Deployments

Zoho Creator primarily operates on a cloud-based deployment model, while also offering the flexibility of development in cloud and deployment on premise. This allows organizations to choose the deployment approach that best aligns with their infrastructure, compliance, and data residency requirements.

1.1. Cloud Deployment

Zoho Creator cloud version is hosted entirely on Zoho's own infrastructure including application development and access. Zoho takes care of the underlying infrastructure, security, maintenance, updates, and availability, allowing customers to focus on building and managing their applications. 
For an overview about the cloud platform, visit our product overview page.

1.2. Hybrid Deployment

Zoho Creator supports hybrid deployment models that offer flexibility in how applications are developed and deployed. Application development is carried out in the cloud, while deployment can take place on-premises or in private/public cloud environments such as AWS or Azure on customer-managed infrastructure. The platform operates on servers managed by the customer, with data stored within the customer's own infrastructure and system administration handled entirely by the customer. Regardless of the chosen deployment model, Zoho Creator delivers the same core application development capabilities. For detailed information, visit our hybrid deployment document and learn more on feature availabilities in hybrid deployment.

2. System and Browser Compatibility

2.1. Operating System Compatibility

Zoho Creator is OS-agnostic. It can be used on any operating system that supports a compatible web browser. No operating system-specific dependencies or installations are required for cloud usage. All you need is a supported web browser and a reliable internet connection.
In a hybrid deployment model, Zoho Creator can be installed and operated on both Windows and Linux servers. This allows organizations to host the application on their own servers while still leveraging Creator’s application development capabilities. Learn how to install Zoho Creator in your preferred environment.

2.2. Supported Web Browsers

Zoho Creator can be accessed using most popular modern web browsers. Here are some of the supported browsers:
  1. Google Chrome version 94 or above
  2. Mozilla Firefox version 102 or above
  3. Safari version 13 or above
  4. Microsoft Edge version 111 or above

2.3. Bandwidth requirements

Zoho Creator is optimized to work reliably across a wide range of network conditions. However, for optimal performance and a smoother experience, we recommend a minimum internet bandwidth of 4 Mbps.

3. Data Storage Location

Zoho Creator Cloud hosts customer data within Zoho's own infrastructure, with the data center location determined based on the customer's geographic region. This ensures your account data is stored and processed in the region best suited for you. Important details regarding data center assignment include:
  1. The data center is determined by the Zoho domain you use during sign-up (for example, users signing up from creator.zoho.eu will have their data hosted in the EU data center).
  2. Your IP address is also considered during this process to align you with the appropriate regional domain.
  3. You cannot manually choose a data center while creating your account.
  4. The assigned data center determines where your account data is hosted and processed.
If your organization requires your account to be hosted in a different data center after sign-up, you can request a migration by contacting us at migrations@zohoaccounts.com, our team is happy to help.
Zoho maintains best-in-class data centers across multiple regions, including US, EU, IN, AU, CN, JP, CA, SA, and UAE. Find your DC
However, in hybrid deployments, data is stored on customer managed servers. In these models, the data location is defined and controlled entirely by the customer’s deployment environment.

4. Version Availability

Zoho Creator is available in the following versions: C6 and C5. Learn more about identifying your Creator account version

Creator 6 (C6)

Creator 6 is the latest version of Zoho Creator. It was launched in October 2021 and all new users who signed up after that are automatically onboarding into the C6 version alone. It represents the most advanced, sophisticated, innovative, and capable version of Zoho Creator. 

Creator 6 provides developers with the empowering ability to customize traditional applications seamlessly across various platforms. It is a powerful platform that combines the powerful capabilities of application development, business intelligence and analytics (BI and analytics solution by Zoho Analytics), and integrations (integration flow solution by Zoho Flow).

C6 empowers teams to build smarter and move faster through a comprehensive suite of capabilities spanning multi-device apps, integrations, business processes, BI and analytics, robotic process automation, real-time metrics, and a sandbox environment, keeping you firmly at the forefront of modern application development.

Creator 5 (C5)

Creator 5 was launched in 2018 with a reimagined app-building experience and enhanced capabilities. It is available to users who signed up before October 2021. Please note that users who signed up after October 2021 will only have access to C6, our latest version. C5 users are long-term users who have the option to transition to C6 at their own pace.
Learn how to migrate and upgrade to C6

5. Updates and Release Management

Zoho Creator follows a continuous deployment model. 

As a cloud platform, updates are applied automatically without requiring any action from users and with minimal disruption. New builds are rolled out frequently, sometimes even daily, bringing new features, enhancements, bug fixes, and other improvements.

For major upgrades, customers are informed well in advance. A self-upgrade wizard is provided to guide them through the upgrade process. For example, customers on C5 can follow this guide to upgrade to C6.

On-premise users can download the latest version to access new features, enhancements, and bug fixes. Since updates are managed within your infrastructure, administrators can choose when to upgrade based on their internal schedule and requirements. Learn how to manage versions.

6. Localization Support

Zoho Creator offers robust localization capabilities which enables the platform to support users across the globe in multiple languages.
  1. Live mode: End users can access applications in approximately 70 languages.
  2. Edit mode: The builder interface, used by administrators and developers to build and manage applications, is available in 14 languages.
The comprehensive list of supported languages is available on our Localization page.
  1. Setting up and Managing Zoho Creator
  2. FAQs: Zoho Creator - Starter Guide
What's next
What's next