Zoho Cliq Bot Form - File field only returns filename string, not actual file

Zoho Cliq Bot Form - File field only returns filename string, not actual file

Hi,

I have a Zoho Cliq bot with a form that includes a file type input. When the form is submitted, the file field only returns the filename as a plain string (e.g. PXL_20260525_173259184.jpg) instead of a file ID or any downloadable reference.

For reference, file upload in a Zoho Cliq Bot: https://www.zoho.com/cliq/help/platform/cliq-forms/inputtype-upload-file.html

Here's how my bot currently looks like (test bot):



I'm trying to attach the uploaded file to a Zoho Desk ticket via the API, but since I only have the filename, I have nothing to actually upload.

  1. inputsList = Map();
  2. inputsList.put("label","Upload image(s) or video(s)");
  3. inputsList.put("name","file");
  4. inputsList.put("placeholder","Images & Videos");
  5. inputsList.put("mandatory",false);
  6. inputsList.put("type","file");

What the function receives on submit:
  1. {"file":"PXL_20260525_173259184.jpg"}

What I expected:
A file ID or a downloadable URL I can use to fetch the file and attach it elsewhere.

What I tried:
Calling https://cliq.zoho.com/api/v2/files and https://cliq.zoho.com/api/v2/files?filename=... but return request_url_invalid.

Is there any API endpoint to retrieve files uploaded through Cliq bot forms? Or is there a different way to configure the form to get a usable file reference?

Thank you,
Rafic