Seamless Round-Trip Navigation for Related Blocks (Detail View)

Seamless Round-Trip Navigation for Related Blocks (Detail View)

As highlighted previously in this post (and here, here, here, and here), we still lack a fundamental capability for seamless navigation in Related Blocks. The popup that appears when adding a related record doesn't exist for viewing/editing existing records, and there's no URL pattern to open a detail view within report context. This creates unnecessary friction, and I'm hoping the Zoho team can address this in a future update.

The Core Limitation
When viewing a record's Detail View, Zoho Creator allows you to display related child records in a Related Block. Developers can create clickable links to these child records using URL formula fields (set to display as HTML) or RTF fields populated via workflow. Using zc_NextUrl, it's possible to redirect users back to a filtered report or a direct detail view URL.

The problem: Direct detail view URLs open as standalone pages outside any report context—there's no "back" button, no way to close the detail view and return to the report listing. Whether you redirect to a filtered report (requiring an extra click) or to a direct detail view URL (losing navigation context), neither option provides a seamless round-trip experience.

Note: This refers specifically to Related Blocks in Detail Views (parent-child relationships at the Report level), not Subforms within a Form.
Expected Behavior Current Zoho Creator Behavior User Impact
Click on related record → Opens record's Detail View Possible via URL formula (HTML) or RTF workarounds ⚠ Requires workaround setup
After editing → Redirect back to filtered report Possible using dynamic zc_NextUrl ⚠ Returns to report, not detail view
After editing → Return to parent's Detail View open No URL pattern to open detail view within report context ✗ Broken UX: Redirects to list, user must find and reopen parent record
Direct URL to open record's detail view Possible, but opens as standalone page outside report ✗ No "back" navigation, loses report context
Open child in popup (stay on parent) Works for ADDING records, but not for viewing/editing existing ones ✗ Inconsistent behavior between add vs view/edit
Current Workarounds (All Suboptimal)
To achieve what should be native functionality, developers must resort to complex workarounds. Frustratingly, the popup behavior that works perfectly when adding a related record doesn't exist for viewing/editing existing records:
Workaround Approach Implementation Problems Status
zc_NextUrl → Filtered Report Use zc_NextUrl to redirect back to a report filtered to the parent record - ✓ Returns user to correct report showing parent
- ✓ Report context and navigation preserved
- ✗ Detail view is NOT open on return
- ✗ User must click again to open detail view 		⚠ Extra click required
zc_NextUrl → Direct Detail View URL Use zc_NextUrl to redirect to the parent record's direct detail view URL - ✓ Opens parent's detail view directly
- ✗ Opens OUTSIDE report context
- ✗ No "back" button or report navigation
- ✗ User is stranded on isolated page 		⚠ Loses navigation context
URL Formula Field (Display as HTML) Create a formula field with direct URL, set to display as HTML to render as clickable link - ✓ Can navigate TO the child record
- ✓ Can use zc_NextUrl for return
- ✗ Same limitations as above for return navigation 		⚠ Return options both flawed
RTF Field with On Success Code Use Rich Text Format field populated via workflow to create clickable link - ✓ Can navigate TO the child record
- ✓ Can use zc_NextUrl for return
- ✗ Same limitations as above for return navigation
- ✗ Extra workflow scripting required 		⚠ Return options both flawed
Replace Related Block with Embedded Report Use a Page with an embedded/filtered report instead of native Related Block - Loses native Detail View layout
- Requires custom Page development
- More complex maintenance
- Loses summary layout formatting 		⚠ Functional but high effort
JavaScript Widget Build a complete custom widget to replace Related Block functionality - Requires significant development effort
- Must rebuild all Related Block features
- Maintenance overhead
- May not match native styling 		✗ Overkill for basic navigation
The Core Problem: Detail View Opens Outside Report Context
While a direct URL to a record's detail view exists, it opens as a standalone page outside of any report context. This means:
  • ✓ You CAN open a detail view directly via URL
  • ✗ But it's NOT within a report—there's no "back" button to return
  • ✗ User is stranded on an isolated page with no navigation context
  • ✗ Using zc_NextUrl to this standalone URL still leaves user outside report context
The inconsistency: When adding a related record through the detail view, Zoho Creator already opens a popup that preserves the parent context. This same behavior simply doesn't exist for viewing or editing existing records.
What's needed: Either (1) extend the popup behavior to view/edit, or (2) provide a URL parameter (e.g., &view_mode=detail) that opens the detail view within report context.

Example: The Add vs. View/Edit Inconsistency
Consider a common business scenario—viewing a Customer record with their related Orders:
Note: If the diagram below doesn't display correctly in your browser, the key point is illustrated in the comparison between [+ Add Order] (which opens a popup preserving context) vs. [Edit] existing record (which navigates away, losing context). 
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  CUSTOMER DETAIL VIEW (within Customers_Report context)     │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Name: Acme Corporation                                     │
│  Email: contact@acme.com        [Close] ← Returns to report │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  RELATED ORDERS                              [+ Add Order]  │
│  ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│
│  │ Order #  │ Date       │ Amount   │ Status   │ Link     ││
│  │ ORD-002  │ 2024-02-20 │ $3,500   │ Pending  │ [Edit] ←─┼┼─ User clicks
│  └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘│   existing record
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
        │                                           │
        │ [+ Add Order]                             │ [Edit] existing
        ▼                                           ▼
┌─────────────────────────┐         ┌─────────────────────────┐
│  ✓ POPUP APPEARS       │         │  ✗ FULL PAGE NAVIGATION │
│  (Parent preserved!)    │         │  (Context lost!)        │
├─────────────────────────┤         ├─────────────────────────┤
│  New Order Form         │         │  Must use zc_NextUrl    │
│  [Save] [Cancel]        │         │  with flawed options... │
│                         │         │                         │
│  ✓ Close → back to     │         │  A. Filtered report     │
│    parent detail view   │         │     (extra click)       │
│                         │         │  B. Direct detail URL   │
│  WHY DOESN'T THIS       │         │     (no navigation)     │
│  WORK FOR EDIT TOO?     │         │                         │
└─────────────────────────┘         └─────────────────────────┘

What Should Happen Instead
Proposed Solutions (Either Would Solve This):

Option 1: Extend Existing Popup Behavior to View/Edit
When adding a related record through the detail view, Zoho Creator already opens a popup that keeps the parent context intact. Simply extend this same behavior to viewing and editing existing records in the Related Block:
Current behavior:
  [+ Add Related Record] → Opens popup → Parent detail view preserved ✓

Requested extension:
  [Click existing record to view/edit] → Opens popup → Parent detail view preserved ✓
  
// The infrastructure already exists - just needs to be applied to view/edit!

Option 2: URL Parameter to Open Detail View Within Report Context
Provide a URL parameter that can be appended to a report URL to auto-open a specific record in its detail view context:
// Proposed URL parameter - opens detail view WITHIN the report
#Report:Customers_Report?record_id=12345&view_mode=detail

// Used with zc_NextUrl for seamless return navigation
edit_url = child_edit_url + "&zc_NextUrl=" + encodeUrl(parent_detail_view_in_report_url);

// After save, user returns to parent's detail view WITH report context
// User can click "back" or close detail view to see report listing
Either solution would achieve Contextual Persistence. Option 1 may be simpler since the popup infrastructure already exists. Option 2 would provide more flexibility for developers building custom navigation flows.

Related Issues
This limitation compounds other navigation frustrations in Zoho Creator:

Real-World Impact
This limitation affects virtually any application with parent-child relationships:
  • CRM systems – Viewing a Contact's related Cases, Opportunities, or Activities
  • Project management – Viewing a Project's related Tasks or Milestones
  • Order management – Viewing a Customer's related Orders or Invoices
  • Inventory systems – Viewing a Product's related Stock Movements or Purchase Orders
  • HR applications – Viewing an Employee's related Leave Requests or Performance Reviews

User Experience Impact: Developers must choose between two poor experiences: (A) extra clicks to reopen detail views, or (B) stranding users on pages with no navigation back. Neither option provides the seamless round-trip navigation users expect from a modern database application.


Request to Zoho Team

Can this be addressed in a future update?

The popup behavior for adding related records already proves this is technically feasible—the infrastructure exists. We just need one of these two solutions to achieve Contextual Persistence:

1. Extend Popup to View/Edit
Apply the existing "Add" popup behavior to viewing/editing records in Related Blocks 		2. URL Parameter for Detail View
Add a parameter like &view_mode=detail to open detail view within report context

Either solution would eliminate the current friction where users lose their navigation context or require extra clicks to return to their workflow.

Community Input Requested: Has anyone found an effective workaround that maintains contextual persistence when navigating to/from related records? This has been a long-standing request across multiple community posts, and a native solution would benefit countless Creator developers.





        • Recent Topics

        • Camera

          I can sign on to a meeting and see the other participants, but my screen is dark. The instructions for Zoho "Camera Settings" say "click on lock icon in address bar," but I don't see that icon! Suggestions?

        • What is Workqueue and how to hide it?

          Hi， My CRM suddenly have this "Workqueue", may I ask how to set the permission of this tab?

        • Batch/lot # and Storage bin location

          Hi I want to ask for a feature on Zoho inventory I own a warehouse and I've gone through different management software solutions with no luck until I found Zoho, it has been a game changer for my business with up to the minute information, I'm extremely happy with it. It's almost perfect. And I say Almost because the only thing missing for me (and I'm sure I'm not alone) is the need of being able to identify the lot number of my inventory and where it is located in the warehouse. Due to the nature

        • Adding Sender Address with Basic Plan

          According to the knowledge base, I should be able to add Sender addresses with the Basic Plan. But whenever I try to add an email, it takes me to a search window and I cannot find any emails in the list. Even mine, which is the admin. email.

        • Conditional Field Visibility in Bigin CRM

          I would like to request support for conditional field visibility within Bigin CRM. This feature should allow administrators to configure show/hide rules for fields based on predefined criteria (e.g., field values, picklist selections, stage changes,

        • Bill automation in Zoho Books

          Hi I am looking for 3rd-party options for bill automation in zoho which are economical and preferably have accurate scanning. What options do I have? Zoho's native scanning is a bit pricey

        • Reporting Tags

          We've been using reporting tags for years (before itemizing was available) and now we are finding reporting these tags are impossible to track. Reports have changed in the customization and our columns of reporting tags no longer show up. We do not use

        • Consumption based inventory

          I am currently using Zoho Books for my hospitality business, which includes lodging and restaurant services. We purchase many items in bulk for storage and consumption as needed. I'd like these items to be recorded as inventory when purchased and categorized

        • Smarter Access Control: Role-Based Access vs. Responsibility-Based Profiles

          Every business has roles, responsibilities, and workflows. While roles help define structure, responsibilities within those roles are rarely the same. As your team grows, some members need access to only a specific set of features. Others require visibility

        • Partner with HDFC And Sbi Bank.

          Hdfc and sbi both are very popular bank if zoho books become partner with this banks then many of the zoho books users will benefit premium features of partnered banks.

        • API in E-Invoice/GST portal

          Hi, Do I have to change the api in gst/e-invoice portal as I use zoho e books for my e-invoicing. If yes, please confirm the process.

        • Member role in zoho meeting

          does a user with member role can see other users in the organization

        • How to post more than 4 Images on Instagram?

          Hi I read several articles to the topic od how to post more than 4 images on instagram, but i can't figure out how it works. I can't find the content editor and i installesd the z share extension for google chrome. Could someone please help me? Than

        • Clone Recurring Expenses

          Our bookkeeping practices make extensive use of the "clone" feature for bills, expenses, invoices, etc. This cuts down significantly on both the amount of typing that needs to be done manually and, more importantly, the mental overhead of choosing the

        • Zoho Books - How to Invoke a Custom Function in Schedulers

          We have multiple schedulers that send emails to customers in batches. Currently, we are maintaining the same code across several schedulers. Is it possible to use a custom function inside a scheduler script? If yes, how can we invoke the custom function

        • Special characters (like â, â, æ) breaking when input in a field (encoding issue)

          Hey everyone, We are currently dealing with a probably encoding issue when we populate a field (mostly but not exclusively, 'Last Name' for Leads and Contracts). If the user manually inputs special characters (like ä, â, á etc.) from Scandinavian languages,

        • Set Custom Icon for Custom Modules in new Zoho CRM UI

        • Notes badge as a quick action in the list view

          Hello all, We are introducing the Notes badge in the list view of all modules as a quick action you can perform for each record, in addition to the existing Activity badge. With this enhancement, users will have quick visibility into the notes associated

        • Is Zoho Live Chat compatible with WordPress CMS?

          Hello, I have a website called www.jjrlab.com and I'm interested in using Zoho Chat on it. Does it support WordPress CMS? Thanks.

        • Introducing spam detection for webforms: An additional layer of protection to keep your Zoho CRM clean and secure

          Greetings all, One of the most highly anticipated feature launches—Spam Detection in webforms—has finally arrived! Webforms are a vital tool for record generation, but they're also vulnerable to submissions from unauthenticated or malicious sources, which

        • Bring your CRM and Desk app inside SalesIQ with widgets

          Have you ever been confused and frustrated with multiple open tabs and switching back and forth from SalesIQ to other apps to perform your business-specific operations? How effective would it be to have all the required tools and data of the apps you

        • Speak Your Customers' Language: SalesIQ's chatbots now support 30 languages 🤖

          We're unveiling some major upgrades to our chatbot that are set to revolutionize your experience! Now SalesIQ support 30 languages for both Zobot and Answer bot. By speaking your customers' language, you can enhance engagement, improve customer satisfaction,

        • Repeat Column merge in ZOHO writer columns doesn't allow to set max columns per row

          I'm using ZOHO writer to merge data from a ZOHO CRM subform and I want it to make a table. We're using Insert Table for Column Repeat, because this is what we need. (Name of column (Teamname) and underneath that a list of names of teammembers). It works

        • Persisting email signals to contact timeline?

          Hello there. Regarding the email signals that are logged when a contact opens an email, am I correct that these signals are not logged to a contact's timeline? Ideally, I would like to have this context available for future follow-ups, if the contact

        • Trouble with using Apostrophe in Name of Customers and Vendors

          We have had an ongoing issue with how the system recognizes an apostrophe in the name of customers and vendors. The search will not return any results for a name that includes the mark; ie one of our vendors names is "L'Heritage" and when entering the

        • Really want the field "Company" in the activities module!

          Hi team! Something we are really missing is able to see the field Company when working in the activities module. We have a lot of tasks and need to see what company it's related to. It's really annoying to not be able to see it.🙈 Thx!

        • Upcoming update to Google Drive integration in Zoho Creator

          Hello everyone, We're writing to inform you about an upcoming update to how Zoho Creator integrates with Google Drive. In Zoho Creator, during actions like importing files to create an app or attaching files to fields, you can choose files directly from

        • Changing Account Type in Chart of Accounts

          Does anyone know how to change/edit the account type for an Account name in Chart of Accounts. Zoho will not let me do this for some reason

        • Managing Scheduled Replies

          Communication is most effective when the intended message reaches the right person at the right time. However, this can be challenging when communication occurs across different time zones. By scheduling replies, businesses can ensure that responses reach

        • Show price book list price

          When using price books, once you add products to the price book in the Products related list you can display the Unit price which is the default list price; however, there is no option to show the price book list price. To see the price book list price

        • Allow Attaching Quartz Recordings to Existing Zoho Support Tickets

          Hi Zoho Team, We would like to request an enhancement to how Zoho Quartz recordings integrate with Zoho Support tickets. Current Behavior: At the moment, each Quartz recording automatically creates a new support ticket. However, in many real-world scenarios:

        • Can I hide empty Contact fields from view?

          Some contacts have a lot of empty fields, others are mostly filled. Is there a way I can hide/show empty fields without changing the actual Layout? I would like to de-clutter my view, and also be able to add information later as I am able. I would be

        • Manage user roles and profiles from the Bigin app (iOS and macOS)

          Hello everyone! We're happy to announce that you can manage user roles and profiles from the Bigin mobile app. The Users & Controls section has three subsections: Users, Profiles, and Roles. Users Employees who belong to your Bigin organization are called

        • Support Bots and Automations in External Channels

          Hello Zoho Cliq Team, How are you? We actively use Zoho Cliq for collaboration, including with our external developers. For this purpose, external channels are a key tool since they work seamlessly within the same interface as all of our other channels

        • Form to PDF template

          I am looking to create a Form and when information is inputted, it will merge it into a PDF template we already have. There could be multiple lines in the form and each line inputs information into a new page of a PDF template.

        • Please verify my account

          Hi, We have just launched our website and received media coverage in our country. Hundreds of users are signing up for our platform every day. We would like to send them a welcome email, but we are unable to do so because our ZeptoMail account has not

        • Subject character limit increase

          We have an occasional user case where subject lines exceed 500 characters which is the ZeptoMail imposed limit. While I understand long subject lines are not "best practice", these are particular notification emails with specific information for client

        • Account blocked

          Yesterday I got my Zeptomail account blocked due to too many hard bounces. My account is used exclusively for sending transactional emails (eg. your order has been shipped, a form has been filled, etc) and the sudden blocking impacted hundreds of websites

        • Nested notebooks

          Dear Sir/Madam, I would like to know if it is possible to nest notebooks. It would be very helpful when there are too many, as it would improve organization. Thank you for your response. Best regards.

        • Cannot see correct DNS config for mail after moving domain to another provider

          I have moved my domain from one provider to another and after that zoho mail stopped working (expected). Problem is, zoho mail admin panel still shows (10 hours after move) that all records are correct while I haven't changed anything in my domain DNS

        • Next Page