Bulk user onboarding for Cliq Channels in a jiffy

Bulk user onboarding for Cliq Channels in a jiffy

As developers, we frequently switch between coding, debugging, and optimizing tasks. The last thing we want is to be burdened by manual user management. Adding users one by one to a channel is tedious and prone to errors, taking up more time than we could devote to actual development. 



Let's explore how to create a custom workflow using Cliq's platform components to streamline the process of bulk-adding users to a channel via a Zoho Sheet or CSV file. This approach facilitates a smooth onboarding experience without the need for manual effort.

Pre-requisite :

Before beginning to script the code below, we must create a connection with Zoho Cliq. Once a connection is created and connected, you can use it in Deluge integration tasks and invoke URL scripts to access data from the required service.

Create a Zoho Oauth default connection with any unique name and the scopes -  ZohoCliq.Channels.All and ZohoSheet.dataApi.ALL

Refer to the below links to learn more :

Step 1  : Creation of slash command

  • After a successful login in Cliq, hover to the top right corner and click your profile. Post clicking, navigate to Bots & Tools > Commands.
  • At your right, click the button - Create Command.
  • To know more about slash commands and their purposes, refer to Introduction to slash commands.
  • Create a slash command using your preferred name. Specify the following details: the command name, a hint (to give users an idea of what the command is for), and the access level.
  • Finally, click "Save & edit code".

  1. inputs = List();
  2. inputs.add({"name":"channels","label":"Pick a channel","placeholder":"Choose a channel where you need to add members","max_selections":"1","multiple":false,"mandatory":true,"type":"native_select","data_source":"channels"});
  3. inputs.add({"name":"headername","label":"Header name","placeholder":"Email ID","hint":"In which the Email ID is present","min_length":"0","max_length":"25","mandatory":true,"type":"text"});
  4. inputs.add({"type":"radio","label":"Import type","name":"import_Type","hint":"Choose a type that you need to import users","options":[{"label":"CSV","value":"csv"},{"label":"Zoho sheet","value":"zohosheet"}],"trigger_on_change":"true"});
  5. return {"name":"addbulkuser","type":"form","title":"Add bulk users","hint":"To add maximum of upto 1000 users in a channel.","button_label":"Add Users","inputs":inputs,"action":{"type":"invoke.function","name":"addbulkusers"};

Step 2  : Scripting form function

  • We need to create a function for the form that manages submission responses, including the Zoho Sheet link or CSV file, the name of the column containing the email addresses, and the channel details where users should be added in bulk.
  • Hover to the top right corner and click your profile. After clicking, navigate to Bots & Tools > Functions.
  • To your right, click the Create Function button.
  • Name the function "addbulkusers," provide a description as desired, and select "form" as the function type. Then, click "Save and edit code," and paste the following code.
  1. emailIdList = list();
  2. successlist = list();
  3. failedlist = list();
  4. try 
  5. {
  6. info form;
  7. formValues = form.get("values");
  8. columnName = formValues.get("headername");
  9. headerName = formValues.get("headername");
  10. if(formValues.get("import_Type").get("value") == "zohosheet")
  11. {
  12. url = formValues.get("url");
  13. spreadSheetId = url.getPrefix("?").getSuffix("open/");
  14. sheetName = url.getSuffix("?").getPrefix("&").getSuffix("=");
  15. worksheetname = sheetName.replaceAll(" ","%20");
  16. columnName = columnName.replaceAll(" ","%20");
  17. allDatas = list();
  18. params = Map();
  19. params.put("column_names",columnName);
  20. params.put("method","worksheet.records.fetch");
  21. params.put("worksheet_id",sheetName + "#");
  22. sheetDetails = invokeurl
  23. [
  24. url :"https://sheet.zoho"+environment.get("tld")+"/api/v2/" + spreadSheetId
  25. type :GET
  26. parameters:params
  27. connection:"addbulkusers"
  28. ];
  29. info sheetDetails;
  30. if(sheetDetails.get("status") == "success" && sheetDetails.get("records").size() <= 1000)
  31. {
  32. allDatas.addAll(sheetDetails.get("records"));
  33. }
  34. else if(sheetDetails.get("status") == "success" && sheetDetails.get("records").size() > 1000)
  35. {
  36. return {"type":"form_error","text":"I can only able to add 1000 user. Kindly try passing with 1000 records in the sheet!!!"};
  37. }
  38. else
  39. {
  40. return {"type":"form_error","text":"I can't find any email ids. Kindly re-check the column name and header row!!!"};
  41. }
  42. info "allData: " + allDatas.size();
  43. if(allDatas.size() > 1000)
  44. {
  45. return {"type":"form_error","text":"I can only able to add 1000 user. Kindly try passing with 1000 records in the sheet!!!"};
  46. }
  47. for each  data in allDatas
  48. {
  49. if(data.get(formValues.get("headername")) == null)
  50. {
  51. return {"type":"form_error","text":"I can't find any email ids. Kindly re-check the column name and header row!!!"};
  52. }
  53. emailIdList.add(data.get(formValues.get("headername")));
  54. if(emailIdList.size() == 100)
  55. {
  56. channelID = formValues.get("channels").get("id");
  57. params = {"email_ids":emailIdList};
  58. info "Params: " + params;
  59. addUsers = invokeurl
  60. [
  61. url :environment.get("base_url") + "/api/v2/channels/" + channelID + "/members"
  62. type :POST
  63. parameters:params.toString()
  64. detailed:true
  65. connection:"addbulkusers"
  66. ];
  67. info "Adduser: " + addUsers;
  68. if(addUsers.get("responseCode") == "204")
  69. {
  70. successlist.addAll(emailIdList);
  71. }
  72. else
  73. {
  74. failedlist.addAll(emailIdList);
  75. }
  76. info "100: " + emailIdList.size();
  77. emailIdList = list();
  78. }
  79. }
  80. if(emailIdList.size() > 0)
  81. {
  82. channelID = formValues.get("channels").get("id");
  83. params = {"email_ids":emailIdList};
  84. info "Params: " + params;
  85. addUsers = invokeurl
  86. [
  87. url :environment.get("base_url") + "/api/v2/channels/" + channelID + "/members"
  88. type :POST
  89. parameters:params.toString()
  90. detailed:true
  91. connection:"addbulkusers"
  92. ];
  93. info "Adduser: " + addUsers;
  94. if(addUsers.get("responseCode") == "204")
  95. {
  96. successlist.addAll(emailIdList);
  97. }
  98. else
  99. {
  100. failedlist.addAll(emailIdList);
  101. }
  102. info "Email id: " + emailIdList;
  103. }
  104. info "Successlist: " + successlist;
  105. info "Failedlist: " + failedlist;
  106. if(successlist.size() > 0 && failedlist.size() > 0)
  107. {
  108. postMessage = {"text":"Successfully added " + successlist.size() + " member(s) and failed for " + failedlist.size() + " Member(s)"};
  109. }
  110. else if(successlist.size() > 0 && !failedlist.size() > 0)
  111. {
  112. postMessage = {"text":"Successfully added " + successlist.size() + " member(s)"};
  113. }
  114. else if(!successlist.size() > 0 && failedlist.size() > 0)
  115. {
  116. postMessage = {"text":"Adding members in channel failed for " + failedlist.size() + " member(s)"};
  117. }
  118. info zoho.cliq.postToChat(chat.get("id"),postMessage);
  119. }
  120. else
  121. {
  122. csvFile = formValues.get("csvFile");
  123. csvFile = csvFile.getfilecontent();
  124. allDatas = csvFile.toList("\n");
  125. i = 0;
  126. indexValue = 0;
  127. indexBoolean = false;
  128. for each  data in allDatas
  129. {
  130. if(i == 0)
  131. {
  132. headers = data.toList(",");
  133. for each  header in headers
  134. {
  135. info header;
  136. if(headerName == header)
  137. {
  138. indexBoolean = true;
  139. indexValue = headers.indexOf(headerName);
  140. }
  141. }
  142. if(indexBoolean == false)
  143. {
  144. return {"type":"form_error","text":"I can't find any email ids. Kindly re-check the column name and header row!!!"};
  145. }
  146. }
  147. else 
  148.             {
  149. emailIdList.add(data.get(indexValue));
  150.             }
  151. i = i + 1;
  152. if(emailIdList.size() == 100)
  153. {
  154. channelID = formValues.get("channels").get("id");
  155. params = {"email_ids":emailIdList};
  156. info "Params: " + params;
  157. addUsers = invokeurl
  158. [
  159. url :environment.get("base_url") + "/api/v2/channels/" + channelID + "/members"
  160. type :POST
  161. parameters:params.toString()
  162. detailed:true
  163. connection:"addbulkusers"
  164. ];
  165. info "Adduser: " + addUsers;
  166. if(addUsers.get("responseCode") == "204")
  167. {
  168. successlist.addAll(emailIdList);
  169. }
  170. else
  171. {
  172. failedlist.addAll(emailIdList);
  173. }
  174. info "100: " + emailIdList.size();
  175. emailIdList = list();
  176. }
  177. }
  178. if(emailIdList.size() > 0)
  179. {
  180. channelID = formValues.get("channels").get("id");
  181. params = {"email_ids":emailIdList};
  182. info "Params: " + params;
  183. addUsers = invokeurl
  184. [
  185. url :environment.get("base_url") + "/api/v2/channels/" + channelID + "/members"
  186. type :POST
  187. parameters:params.toString()
  188. detailed:true
  189. connection:"addbulkusers"
  190. ];
  191. info "Adduser: " + addUsers;
  192. if(addUsers.get("responseCode") == "204")
  193. {
  194. successlist.addAll(emailIdList);
  195. }
  196. else
  197. {
  198. failedlist.addAll(emailIdList);
  199. }
  200. }
  201. info "Successlist: " + successlist;
  202. info "Failedlist: " + failedlist;
  203. if(successlist.size() > 0 && failedlist.size() > 0)
  204. {
  205. postMessage = {"text":"Successfully added " + successlist.size() + " member(s) and failed for " + failedlist.size() + " Member(s)"};
  206. }
  207. else if(successlist.size() > 0 && !failedlist.size() > 0)
  208. {
  209. postMessage = {"text":"Successfully added " + successlist.size() + " member(s)"};
  210. }
  211. else if(!successlist.size() > 0 && failedlist.size() > 0)
  212. {
  213. postMessage = {"text":"Adding members in channel failed for " + failedlist.size() + " member(s)"};
  214. }
  215. info zoho.cliq.postToChat(chat.get("id"),postMessage);
  216. }
  217. }
  218. catch (e)
  219. {
  220. info e;
  221. return {"type":"form_error","text":"I can't find any email ids. Kindly re-check the column name and header row!!!"};
  222. }
  223. return Map();

Step 3  : Configuring form change handler

  • After copying and pasting the code into the form submission handler, navigate to the form change handler for the created form function.
  • You can find this in the top left corner of the editor, where you will see an arrow next to the form submission handler. Clicking on this arrow will display the form change handler in a dropdown menu.
  • Click it to edit the code in the form change handler, which is necessary for real-time modifications to a form's structure or behaviour based on user input in a specific field. 
  1. targetName = target.get("name");
  2. info targetName;
  3. inputValues = form.get("values");
  4. info inputValues;
  5. actions = list();
  6. if(targetName.containsIgnoreCase("import_Type"))
  7. {
  8. fieldValue = inputValues.get("import_Type").get("value");
  9. info fieldValue;
  10. if(fieldValue == "csv")
  11. {
  12. actions.add({"type":"add_after","name":"import_Type","input":{"label":"CSV File","name":"csvFile","placeholder":"Please upload a zCSV File","mandatory":true,"type":"file"}});
  13. actions.add({"type":"remove","name":"url"});
  14. }
  15. else if(fieldValue == "zohosheet")
  16. {
  17. actions.add({"type":"add_after","name":"import_Type","input":{"name":"url","label":"Enter the sheet url","placeholder":"https://sheet.zoho.com/sheet/open/6xhgb324f142e91d845e5b4b472f7422379c9","min_length":"0","max_length":"400","mandatory":true,"type":"text","format":"url"}});
  18. actions.add({"type":"remove","name":"csvFile"});
  19. }
  20. }
  21. return {"type":"form_modification","actions":actions};

Business use cases:

  • HR onboarding: Seamlessly add new employees to internal communication channels.
  • Event management: Quickly invite attendees to event-specific channels.
  • Education platforms: Enroll students in course groups in one go.
  • Community building: Grow large communities by importing member lists effortlessly.

Bottom line

Bulk user addition in Cliq channels through Zoho Sheet or CSV files allows us to eliminate tedious tasks, reduce errors, and manage large-scale data effortlessly. Is onboarding consuming too much of your valuable development time? If so, it might be time to shake things up with a customized workflow!

We're here to help, so don't hesitate to reach out to support@zohocliq.com with any questions or if you need assistance in crafting even more tailored workflows.

    • Sticky Posts

    • Customer payment alerts in Zoho Cliq

      For businesses that depend on cash flow, payment updates are essential for operational decision-making and go beyond simple accounting entries. The sales team needs to be notified when invoices are cleared so that upcoming orders can be released. In contrast,

    • Automating Employee Birthday Notifications in Zoho Cliq

      Have you ever missed a birthday and felt like the office Grinch? Fear not, the Cliq Developer Platform has got your back! With Zoho Cliq's Schedulers, you can be the office party-cipant who never forgets a single cake, balloon, or awkward rendition of

    • Accelerate Github code reviews with Zoho Cliq Platform's link handlers

      Code reviews are critical, and they can get buried in conversations or lost when using multiple tools. With the Cliq Platform's link handlers, let's transform shared Github pull request links into interactive, real-time code reviews on channels. Share

    • App Spotlight : PagerDuty for Zoho Cliq

      App Spotlight brings you hand-picked apps to enhance the power of your Zoho apps and tools. Visit the Zoho Marketplace to explore all of our apps, integrations, and extensions. In today's fast-paced world, seizing every moment is essential for operational

    • Automate your status with Cliq Schedulers

      Imagine enjoying your favorite homemade meal during a peaceful lunch break, when suddenly there's a PING! A notification pops up and ruins your moment of zen. Even worse, you might be in a vital product development sprint, only to be derailed by a "quick

      • Recent Topics

      • Tasks Statuses

        Hi, The task status "Completed" is a final status which closes the task. We need to have a status "Cancelled". However, when the status is set to "Cancelled", the task prompt still has a blue button to Close Task. When the customer clicks that and closes

      • Updating Blueprint stage from my Deluge function

        Hi all, I need to update the blueprint stage. Its almost working, but ONLY if the current Deal stage is 'Closed Lost'. On any of my custom stages that Ive specified in the pipeline it doesnt work! My code: dealmap = Map(); deal_stage = deal.get("Stage");

      • Canvas: is it possible to have a fixed header?

        Hello. Does Canvas provide the option to have a fixed header, similar to the standard view? It would also be interesting for other parts of the interface, like the header or sidebar of the tab section. Thanks!

      • Replacing email ID,

        In zoho sheets If I am sending it as an email attachments can I replace sender email ID from notifications to my email ID.

      • Limited layout rules in a module

        There is a limit of 10 layout rules per module. Is there a way to get that functionality through different customization or workflow + custom function (easily accessible), etc. Having just 10 is limiting especially if module contains a lot of data. Are

      • Introducing Lead Capture: Empower exhibitors to capture leads effortlessly

        Events provide a great opportunity for exhibitors to generate awareness and engage with potential customers. Efficiently distributing attendee information to exhibitors through a seamless and secure way is of paramount importance. Introducing Lead Capture

      • dealing with post dated cheques

        Hi, can you help me please the best way to deal with this We sell an item of three months duration that is paid for with post dated cheques in monthly stages example - item is sold £3000 Cheque 1 is for £1000 due at time of sale (say Sept) cheque 2 is dated 25th of next month (Oct) cheque 3 is dated 25th of next month +1 (Nov) Now, with invoice number one it's simple - i send a standard invoice as usual But with the other two here's what i want zoho to do next month i want it to send an invoice on

      • Using Contains as a filter

        We are using Zoho Reports, ServiceDesk Plus analytics. I do not see how to create a report filter using Contains comparison of a string values, is one string contained in another. For example, Task Title contains the word Monitor. Is this possible in Zoho Reports?  This reporting feature is available in SDP reporting. Thanks in advance, Craig Rice

      • Mass import of documents into Zoho Writer

        I'm using Google's word processor at the moment but feel that Zoho does a better job (on the online apps market). Iwant to move my documents (about 50-70) to Zoho but it seems to me that I have to import them seperately. Is it already possible to upload several documents at a time or is this a forthcoming feature? Cheers Rolli :?:

      • Set off Unearned Revenue

        Hi, I would like to get a clarification on the below. I have an opening balance of BD.725/- in my Unearned Revenue A/c which includes the overpayments of 6 clients. No One of my clients settled his invoices by paying the value of the invoice less the

      • How Zoho Desk contributes to the art of savings

        Remember the first time your grandmother gave you cash for a birthday or New Year's gift, Christmas gift, or any special day? You probably tucked that money safely into a piggy bank, waiting for the day you could buy something precious or something you

      • Add Webhook Response Module to Zoho Flow

        Hi Zoho Flow Team, We’d like to request a Webhook Response capability for Zoho Flow that can return a dynamic, computed reply to the original webhook caller after / during the flow runs. What exists today Zoho Flow’s webhook trigger can send custom acknowledgements

      • Installing EMAIL Setup in New Domain

        Respected Support team, I'm facing an issue with cloudflare in Pakistan, I want to setup Zoho Mail Setup but I Don't know how to enable Zoho mail setup without cloudflare. My Website https://stumbleguyzzapk.com/, https://fakservices.com/ is using CF,

      • Fill Colors

        Hello, Just curious, is it possible to manage the Used and standard colors in the fill drop down menu ? I would like to change/edit them is possible to colors I frequently use. Thanks for you reply, Bruce

      • When moments in customer support get "spooky"

        It’s Halloween again! Halloween is celebrated with spooky symbols and meanings based on history and traditions, with each region adding its own special touch. While we were kids, we would dress up in costumes along with friends, attend parties, and enjoy

      • How can I delete duplicate transactions?

        I want to delete the duplicates not simply exclude them. I have duplicates, because I had automatic bank feeds turned on (had to make sure this critical functionality was working before migrating to Zoho). Now when I import my csv's exported from Wave,

      • Python - code studio

        Hi, I see the code studio is "coming soon". We have some files that will require some more complex transformation, is this feature far off? It appears to have been released in Zoho Analytics already

      • Multiple email addresses

        Multiple email addresses: I understand there is the ability to add an additional email field to a contact, but the functionality here needs to be drastically revised. Currently, this second email address does not log under the contact email history, nor is it available as a send address when using the Send Mail button within CRM. We recently migrated from GoldMine. I hate GoldMine, but there is one thing they did well: Email. I suggest copying them. Change the email field to an editable picklist,

      • ViewID and Zoho Desk API

        I'm looking at the documentation for Listing contacts and it looks like you can filter by ViewID. I assume this is views created in a department or all departments. Is this correct? And if so, how do I find the ViewID for that view? EDIT: I see the view

      • Ability to Link Reported Issues from Zoho Desk to Specific Tasks or Subtasks in Zoho Projects

        Hi Zoho Desk Team, Hope you're doing well. When reporting a bug from Zoho Desk to Zoho Projects, we’ve noticed that it’s currently not possible to select an existing task or subtask to associate the issue with. However, when working directly inside Zoho

      • Print Tickets

        We have field engineers who visit customers. We would like the option to print a job sheet with full details of the job and account/contact details.

      • Zoho Desk integration with Power BI

        Hi, I want to be able to create a Power BI report which has live updates of ticket data from zoho desk, is this possile at all? Thanks Jack

      • Ability to Attach Images When Reporting Issues to Zoho Projects from Zoho Desk

        Hi Zoho Desk Team, Hope you’re doing well. We’re using the Zoho Desk–Zoho Projects integration to report bugs directly from support tickets into the Zoho Projects issue tracker. This integration is extremely useful and helps us maintain smooth coordination

      • Ability to Choose Task List and Add Subtasks When Creating Tasks from Zoho Desk

        Hi Zoho Desk Team, Hope you’re doing well. We’re using the Zoho Desk–Zoho Projects integration to seamlessly connect customer tickets with project tasks. While the integration works great overall, we noticed two important limitations that affect our workflow

      • Sync Task Status from Zoho Projects to Zoho Desk

        Hi Zoho Desk Team, Hope you’re doing well. We’re actively using the Zoho Desk–Zoho Projects integration, which helps our support and project teams stay aligned. However, we noticed that when we change a task’s status in Zoho Projects, the change is not

      • Default/Private Departments in Zoho Desk

        1) How does one configure a department to be private? 2) Also, how does one change the default department? 1) On the list of my company's Zoho Departments, I see that we have a default department, but I am unable to choose which department should be default. 2) From the Zoho documentation I see that in order to create a private department, one should uncheck "Display in customer portal" on the Add Department screen. However, is there a way to change this setting after the department has been created?

      • Zoho CRM IP Addresses to Whitelist

        We were told to whitelist IP addresses from Zoho CRM.  (CRM, not Zoho Mail.) What is the current list of IP Addresses to whitelist for outbound mail? Is there a website where these IP addresses are published and updated?  Everything I could find is over

      • Color of Text Box Changes

        Sometimes I find the color of text boxes changed to a different color. This seems to happen when I reopen the same slide deck later. In the image that I am attaching, you see that the colors of the whole "virus," the "irology" part of "virology," and

      • The difference between Zoho Marketing Automation and Zoho Campaigns

        Greetings Marketers! This post aims to differentiate between Zoho Marketing Automation and Zoho Campaigns. By the time you get to the end of the post, you will be able to choose a product that objectively suits you. What is Zoho Marketing Automation?

      • How to use Rollup Summary in a Formula Field?

        I created a Rollup Summary (Decimal) field in my module, and it shows values correctly. When I try to reference it in a Formula Field (e.g. ${Deals.Partners_Requested} - ${Deals.Partners_Paid}), I get the error that the field can’t be found. Is it possible

      • Zoho Mail Android app update - View emails shared via Permalink on the app.

        Hello everyone! In the latest version(v2.8.2) of the Zoho Mail Android app update, we have brought in support to access the emails shared via permalink within the app. Earlier, when you click the permalink of an email, you'll be redirected to a mobile

      • Let us view and export the full price books data from CRM

        I quote out of CRM, some of my clients have specialised pricing for specific products - therefore we use Price Books to manage these special prices. I can only see the breakdown of the products listed in the price book and the specialised pricing for

      • Weekly Tips: Manage External Images in Zoho Mail

        When you receive emails every day, whether from clients, newsletters, or services, many of them contain external images that automatically load when you open the message. While this can make emails look more engaging, it can also impact your privacy and

      • How to display Motivator components in Zoho CRM home page ?

        Hello, I created KPI's, games and so but I want to be able to see my KPI's and my tasks at the same time. Is this possible to display Motivator components in Zoho CRM home page ? Has someone any idea ? Thanks for your help.

      • Introducing Record Summary: smarter insights at your fingertips

        Hello everyone, We’re excited to introduce the Record Summary feature. This powerful addition makes use of Zia to simplify how you interact with your CRM data, providing a seamless, consolidated view of critical record information. Scrolling through the

      • Account in Quick View Filter

        I have a report that I often run against a specific Account. Every time, I have to go into the edit menu and change the Advanced Filter. I would prefer to use the Quick View Filter, but it does not allow me to use the one and only field that makes any

      • Unable to confirm Super Admin assignment — confirmation button not working

        I’m trying to change the roles within my organization. I am currently a super admin and would like to add another user as a super admin. When I attempt to confirm the action, a screen appears asking for my password to verify my identity. However, when

      • Delegates should be able to delete expenses

        I understand the data integrity of this request. It would be nice if there was a toggle switch in the Policy setting that would allow a delegate to delete expenses from their managers account. Some managers here never touch their expense reports, and

      • Function #9: Copy attachments of Sales Order to Purchase Order on conversion

        This week, we have written a custom function that automatically copies the attachments uploaded for a sales order to the corresponding purchase order after you convert it. Here's how to configure it in your Zoho Books organization. Custom Function: Hit

      • Kaizen #8 - Handling Recurrence and Participants in the Events Module via API

        Hello everyone! We are back this week with an exciting post—Handling recurrence and participants in the Events module through API. First things first—What is the Events module? "Events" is a part of the Activities module in Zoho CRM.  An event is an activity that happens at a given place and time. You can find Events on the user's Zoho CRM's home page, Activities home page, Calendar, and in other related records. What are the types of Events? Events are of two types—Recurring and non-recurring events.

      • Next Page