Hello everyone!
Welcome back to another week of
Kaizen.
In this post, we explore the
Multi-Module Lookup (MML) field in the
Appointments module of Zoho CRM. You learn what an MML field is, how it works, and how to use it with
Zoho CRM APIs.
Table of Contents:
- What is a Multi-Module Lookup (MML) Field in Zoho CRM?
- Use Cases for MML
- How the "Appointment For" (MML) field in the "Appointments" module works?
- Creating a Record in the Appointments Module Using the Insert Records API
- Retrieving a Record from the Appointments Module Using the Get Records API
- Multi-module Lookup Using the COQL API
- Multi-module Lookup Using the Bulk Read API
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Multi-Module Lookup (MML) Field in Zoho CRM?
A Multi-Module Lookup (MML) field in Zoho CRM allows you to create a one-to-one relationship between a record in one module and a record from one of multiple other modules. Unlike a normal lookup field, which references a single module, an MML field can dynamically reference records from multiple modules.
Without the MML field, users must create multiple lookup fields for each module, which complicates the CRM layout and user experience.
Note:
- The multi-module lookup (multi_module_lookup) data type was introduced in Zoho CRM API version 3.
- Currently, the MML field is available as a system-defined field named Appointment For in the Appointments module.
- The Appointment For field supports lookups to both Contacts and custom modules.
- You cannot create a custom MML field in Zoho CRM.
Data Model Representation
MML's Data Model RepresentationUse Cases for MML
Zylker Healthcare is a multi-specialty hospital that uses Zoho CRM to maintain its appointment scheduling process.
In this setup, Zylker maintains two key modules:
- Contacts module - Stores records of physicians and surgeons, including attending physicians, specialists, and surgeons who diagnose and refer patients.
- Patients module - A custom module used to maintain records of all patients.
To improve the appointment booking process, Zylker uses the "Appointment For" Multi-Module Lookup (MML) field in the Appointments module. This field lets Zylker manage an appointment with either a Physician/Surgeon or a Patient, eliminating the need for multiple lookup fields.
How the "Appointment For" (MML) field in the "Appointments" module works?
- When creating an appointment, the user selects the "Appointment For" field.
- The field displays records based on the selected module, either the Contacts or Patients.
- The user selects the appropriate record (Contact or Patients) for the appointment.
- A related list is automatically created in the selected module (Contact or Patients) as the Open Activities / Closed Activities to display all appointments associated with that record.
Creating a Record in the Appointments module using the Insert Records API
Before creating a record in the Appointments module via the Insert Records API, make sure you know the API names of the system-defined mandatory fields. These fields are required to create an appointment successfully.
System-defined Mandatory Fields:
- Appointment_For (MML field)
- Service_Name
- Appointment_Start_Time
- Appointment_Name
- Member
- Location
The below image shows how these system-defined mandatory fields appear in the Appointments module UI:
System-defined mandatory keys in the Appointments Module in UI view.API calls you have to make before creating a record:
Before inserting a record into the Appointments module, it is important to know the API names of the fields and their parent modules.
Request URL : {api-domain}/crm/v8/settings/modules
Request Method : GET
Sample Response :
In the API response, search for the module with "module_name": "Appointments" and check the value of the "api_name" key to get the API name of the module. This is the name you will use in all related API calls.
ii. Use the
GET - Fields Metadata API and get fields metadata for the
Appointments module. Here, you can find the
API names of the mandatory fields along with other fields present in the Appointments module.
Below is the API call & response for the multi-module lookup field along with other mandatory fields.
Request URL : {api-domain}/crm/v8/settings/fields?module=Appointments__s
Request Method : GET
Sample Response :
Note: The above image highlights only the key properties of the Multi-Module Lookup (MML) field from the field metadata response. The complete API response contains additional properties not shown here.
In the response:
- The multi-module lookup field is identified by the key "data_type" with the value "multi_module_lookup".
- The associated modules supported by the MML field (e.g., Contacts, Patients) are listed under the "modules" key.
- Other mandatory fields like Service Name, Appointment Name, and Appointment Start Time can be identified by "system_mandatory": true.
The keys of the above multi_module_lookup JSON object are explained below:
"multi_module_lookup": { "display_label": "Appointments", // Display label of the module where the MML field is used "api_name": "Appointments__s", // API name of the Appointments module "modules": [ //List of modules associated with the Appointments module. { "api_name": "Contacts", //API name of the associated module "module_name": "Contacts", // Display Name of the module "id": "5725767000000002179" //Unique ID of the module }, { "api_name": "Patients", //API name of the associated custom module "module_name": "Patients", //Display label of the module "id": "5725767000006473007" //Unique module ID } } ] },
|
Note:
- You cannot add or remove modules from the Multi-Module Lookup (MML) field using APIs. These actions are only available through the Zoho CRM UI.
- Once a module is disassociated from the MML field, existing records associated with that module will remain in the Appointments module, and you will no longer be able to associate newly created records from the disassociated module using the MML field.
The remaining system-defined mandatory fields, along with their API names, are listed below.
System-defined Mandatory Field Names | System-defined Mandatory Field API Names |
Service Name | Service_Name |
Appointment Start Time | Appointment_Start_Time |
Appointment Name | Appointment_Name |
Member | Owner |
Location | Location
|
Note: The system-defined mandatory fields can be identified by "system_mandatory": true.
Search the system-defined mandatory field names and get their API names.
With the field API names, use the following request and sample input body to create a record in the Appointments module using the Insert Records API.
Request URL : {{api-domain}}/crm/v8/Appointments__s
Request Method : POST
Request Body :
{ "data": [ { "Appointment_Name": "General Consultation", "Owner": { "name": "Patricia Boyle", "id": "5725767000000411001", }, "Appointment_Start_Time": "2025-04-15T13:00:00-07:00", "Appointment_End_Time": "2025-04-15T13:30:00-07:00", "Appointment_For": { "module": { "api_name": "Contacts", "id": "5725767000000002179" }, "name": "John Doe", "id": "5725767000005607020" }, "Service_Name": { "name": "General Check-up", "id": "5725767000006387029" }, "Location": "Business Address" } ] }
|
Sample Response:
{ "data": [ { "code": "SUCCESS", "details": { "Modified_Time": "2025-05-06T20:33:42-07:00", "Modified_By": { "name": "Patricia Boyle", "id": "5725767000000411001" }, "Created_Time": "2025-05-06T20:33:42-07:00", "id": "5725767000006390001", //Unique ID if the newly created record. Please note that this record ID will be used in the following API get and update operations. "Created_By": { "name": "Patricia Boyle", "id": "5725767000000411001" } }, "message": "record added", "status": "success" } ] }
|
Note:
Only Contacts and custom modules are supported in the Multi-Module Lookup field. If you try to associate a new record with a module that has been removed from the MML field or an unsupported module in the MML field, the following error will be thrown.
Retrieving a Record from the Appointments Module Using the Get Records API
Request URL : {{api-domain}}/crm/v8/Appointments__s/5725767000006390001
Request Method: GET
Request Response:
{ "data": [ { "Owner": { "name": "Patricia Boyle", "id": "5725767000000411001", }, "$currency_symbol": "$", "Address": null, "Appointment_Start_Time": "2025-04-15T13:00:00-07:00", "Cancellation_Reason": null, "$field_states": null, "Appointment_For": { "module": { "api_name": "Contacts", "id": "5725767000000002179" }, "name": "John Doe", "id": "5725767000005607020" }, "Rescheduled_To": null, "$sharing_permission": "full_access", "Reschedule_Reason": null, "Additional_Information": null, "Last_Activity_Time": null, "Cancelled_Time": null, "Cancellation_Note": null, "Modified_By": { "name": "Patricia Boyle", "id": "5725767000000411001", }, "Reschedule_Count": 0, "Rescheduled_By": null, "id": "5725767000006390001", "Rescheduled_Time": null, "Remind_At": null, "Appointment_End_Time": "2025-04-15T13:30:00-07:00", "Status": "Overdue", "Modified_Time": "2025-05-06T20:04:38-07:00", "Service_Name": { "name": "General Check-up", "id": "5725767000006387029" }, "Created_Time": "2025-05-06T20:04:38-07:00", "testing": null, "Rescheduled_From": null, "Cancelled_By": null, "$editable": true, "Appointment_Name": "General Consultation", "Duration": 30, "Record_Status__s": "Available", "Created_By": { "name": "Patricia Boyle", "id": "5725767000000411001", }, "Tag": [], "Location": "Business Address", "Reschedule_Note": null } ] }
|
Request URL : {{api-domain}}/crm/v8/Appointments__s/5725767000006390001
Request Method: PUT
Request Body:
{ "data": [ { "Appointment_Start_Time": "2025-04-16T14:00:00-07:00", //Updating the Appointment_Start_Time "Appointment_End_Time": "2025-04-16T14:30:00-07:00", //Updating the Appointment_End_Time "Appointment_For": { "module": { "api_name": "Employees", //Updating a different module "id": "5725767000002161028" }, "name": "Patrica", //A record from the Employees module "id": "5725767000006272001" //unique ID of the record } } ] }
|
Multi-module Lookup Using the COQL API
Querying Inner Fields of Linked Modules within the MML Field
With the COQL API, you can query inner fields of linked modules within a Multi-Module Lookup (MML) field. This provides deeper insights into related fields data in a module. This query support is available from
Zoho CRM API Version 7.
Sample Query:
{ "select_query": "select 'Appointment_For->Contacts.Lead_Source' from Appointments__s where id is not null" }
|
The above query retrieves the
Lead Source field from the
Contacts module within the
Appointment_For MML field.
Sample Response:

Querying Multi-Module Lookup Module Name
Querying the module name associated with each record in a Multi-Module Lookup (MML) field. This query support is available from
Zoho CRM API Version 7.
Sample Query:
{ "select_query": "select Appointment_For.module.api_name, Appointment_For from Appointments__s where id is not null" }
|
The
Appointment_For.module.api_name returns the module name (e.g., Contacts or Accounts) for each record linked in the
Appointment_For MML field.
Sample Response:
Multi-module Lookup Using the Bulk Read API
Bulk Read API allows you to fetch a large set of data i.e., you can fetch a maximum of 2,00,000 records in a single API call.
Specify the API name of the Appointments module in the module JSON object when making API calls. Refer to the following section for an example.
Request Method : POST
Request Body :
{ "callback": { "method": "post" }, "query": { "module": { "api_name": "Appointments__s" //API name of the Appointments module }, "file_type": "csv" } }
|
Note: The Appointment_For field cannot be used in the criteria.
As the API is an asynchronous API, the response will not be available instantly; the bulk read job is scheduled, and the status can be checked. Once the job is completed, you will be notified in the callback URL. The records are available in a downloadable CSV file or ICS file (for events). See the
Bulk Read API document to know how to view the status of the scheduled job and download the file, along with more sample requests and responses.
Sample Exported Response
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which modules are currently supported in the MML field?
Only Contacts and custom modules can be associated with an MML field.
2. What error is thrown if I try to associate a record with a removed or unsupported module in the MML field?
If you try to associate a record with a removed or unsupported module in an MML field, the system will throw an "INVALID_DATA" error.
3. Is the MML field available for all modules?
No, as of
Zoho CRM API Version 8, the MML field is available only as a system-defined field in the
Appointments module.
4. How do I get the list of modules associated with an MML field?
You can use the
GET - Fields Metadata API for the
Appointments module and look for the field with
"data_type" : "multi_module_lookup" and check its
"modules" JSON array.
5. Can I add or remove modules from a Multi-Module Lookup (MML) field via API?
Adding or removing modules in an MML field is not supported via API. These actions can only be done through the Zoho CRM UI.
6. What happens if I remove a module from an MML field?
If a module is removed from the MML through Zoho CRM UI, it can no longer be associated with new records, but existing records linked to that module will remain unaffected.
7. Is MML field supported in the Bulk Write API?
As of
Zoho CRM API Version 8, the MML field is available only in the Appointments module as a system-defined field. The Appointments module is not supported in the Bulk Write API.
8. Is MML field supported in the Search API?
The MML field is not currently supported in the Search API.
We trust that this post meets your needs and is helpful. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section or reach out to us at
support@zohocrm.com
Stay tuned for more insights in our upcoming Kaizen posts!
Cheers!!!
Related Readings:
Recent Topics
"Temporary" Field Value?
I have a custom action in Form A report Detail View that passes the Rec ID and updates a Temp Record ID lookup field in the Form B record via openURL (and opens the Form B report in popup) . The updated Temp Record ID field value in Form B is then used
File Upload field automatically replaces spaces with underscores – support experience
Hi everyone, I want to share my recent experience regarding the File Upload field behavior in Zoho Creator and my interaction with the Zoho support team. When a user uploads a file, the system automatically renames the document by replacing spaces in
We Asked, Zoho Delivered: The New Early Access Program is Here
For years, the Zoho Creator community has requested a more transparent and participatory approach to beta testing and feature previews. Today, I'm thrilled to highlight that Zoho has delivered exactly what we asked for with the launch of the Early Access
Queries on Project-Based Inventory Consumption and Proforma Invoice in Zoho ERP
We would appreciate your clarification on how Zoho ERP plans to handle the following: Project-based inventory consumption without itemized sales orders Accurate project cost tracking along with inventory reduction Proforma Invoice usage We look forward
Applying Excess Payments & Conflict Invoices Due to Cancelled Items
I’m running into several issues that appear to stem from deeper-than-expected overlap between Zoho Finance (Books/Inventory) and Zoho POS. The level of coupling between these systems seems greater than what was originally communicated, and it’s leading
Zoho Sprint Backlog View, filter by item status
Hello, In Zoho Sprints, it would be great to be able filter out specific items in the Backlog based on their status. We would like to track items that were Removed from our backlog without seeing them constantly in the Backlog view, as this view should
WATERFALL CHART IN ZOHO ANALYTICS
Hi Team, I would like to know whether Zoho Analytics currently supports a Waterfall Chart as a built-in visualization type. If yes, could you please share the steps to create one? If not, is there any workaround or recommended method to build a Waterfall
Export contacts from Bigin's mobile app to your Android device
Hello everyone! We're happy to announce that you can now export customer contacts from the Bigin mobile app to your device. Scenario A small-scale business owner has two pipelines in Bigin—one for procuring raw materials and the other for selling his
Passing Info from Function to Client Script
Hello, I have recently started making use of client script for buttons, allowing me to give the user information or warnings before they proceed. This is great. However, I have never quite managed to pass back any extra information from the function to
ASAP iOS SDK – Xcode Compatibility Update
Hello everyone, We have been delivering the ASAP iOS SDK developed using Xcode 16.1 to provide Help Center support within mobile applications. Thus, ASAP iOS SDK versions upto 4.5.8 are compatible with development environments running in Xcode 16.1 and
Sub form auto field population based on parent form
I have a parent form called "Sites" with a text field called "Site". I have a subform called "Design Comments" (actual form name "Review Comments") with a lookup field name "Sites1" that looks up from the Sites form. I want the Sites1 lookup field to
A note-taking app right inside your project management space
How do you feel when you check off the last task from your to-do list after a long day at work? Euphoric, blissful, satisfied? Now, imagine completing the same checklist from your PM platform, without juggling tools. Sounds simple and handy? That’s exactly
Email Forwarding: Maintain business continuity
As an administrator, ensuring uninterrupted email communication is critical when a role-based employee is unavailable due to extended leave or a temporary role change. Emails from customers, partners, and internal teams must continue to be received and
Tip #61- Collaborate live with Invite Technician- 'Insider Insights'
We’ve all been there: you’re deep into a complex remote session, and you realize you need a second pair of eyes. Instead of ending the call or rescheduling, why not just bring the expert to you? With Zoho Assist, you can invite internal colleagues or
How to integrate Zoho CRM, Zoho Forms and a WIX Web Site
Attached video demonstrates how to use Zoho Forms included in Zoho One, to design a Contact Us form to be embedded into a WIX web site and integrated into Zoho CRM.
Bug Causing Major Sync & SO Access Failures in Zoho POS
We are experiencing critical and recurring issues in Zoho POS that all trace back to role-permission handling defects in the latest POS app version. These issues directly affect syncing, login ability, and Sales Order access for role-restricted users
Change Last Name to not required in Leads
I would like to upload 500 target companies as leads but I don't yet have contact people for them. Can you enable the option for me to turn this requirement off to need a Second Name? Moderation update (10-Jun-23): As we explore potential solutions for
OAuth2 Scope Error - Incorrectly defaulting to CRM instead of Analytics.
Hello Zoho Team, I am trying to connect n8n to Zoho Analytics API V2 for a simple automation project. Despite using the correct Analytics-specific scopes, my OAuth handshake is failing with a CRM-related error. The Problem: The authorization screen shows:
Add Custom Reports To Dashboard or Home Tab
Hi there, I think it would be great to be able to add our custom reports to the Home Tab or Dashboards. Thanks! Chad Announcement: The feature is being rolled out across DC's and Edition in phases. To know more refer to the announcement post here.
Hiding Pre-defined Views
You can enhance Zoho with custom views - but you cannot hide the pre-defined views. Most users focus on 4 or 5 views. Right now for EVERY user EVERY time they want to move to one of their 4 or 5 views - they have to scroll down past a long list of pre-defined
why can't agent see accounts & contacts
My new user, with 'Agent' privileges, cannot see records that don't belong to them. How can I give them access? Why isn't this the default configuration in Zoho?
Sender Email Configuration Error.
Hello Team, Hope you are all doing well. We are in the process of creating the Zoho FSM environment in the UAE. When we try to add the sender email address “techsupportuae@stryker.com”, we receive the error message: “Error occurred while sending mail
【Zoho CRM】フィルター機能のアップデート:ルックアップ項目を使ったデータフィルタリング
ユーザーの皆さま、こんにちは。コミュニティチームの藤澤です。 今回は「Zoho CRM アップデート情報」の中からフィルター機能のアップデートをご紹介します。 ルックアップ項目を使ったデータフィルタリングがより詳細に行えるようになりました。 この機能は詳細フィルターとカスタムビューで利用でき、必要な情報を正確に取得できます。 これにより、タブ間を移動することなく、より深く正確な方法でデータを絞り込むことが可能になります。 ◉できること 詳細フィルターとカスタムビューで、ルックアップ先タブの項目が選択可能
This will be long, Please bear with me - Next Gen Layout - Search
In general, I think that Zoho are going in the right direction with the Next Gen UI. The latest update brings some nice improvements and all-in-all from a user's perspective I think the improvements are generally very good. However, there are some areas
Zoho Books | Product updates | July 2025
Hello users, We’ve rolled out new features and enhancements in Zoho Books. From plan-based trials to the option to mark PDF templates as inactive, explore the updates designed to enhance your bookkeeping experience. Introducing Plan Based Trials in Zoho
Zoho Books | Product updates | August 2025
Hello users, We’ve rolled out new features and enhancements in Zoho Books. From the right sidebar where you can manage all your widgets, to integrating Zoho Payments feeds in Zoho Books, explore the updates designed to enhance your bookkeeping experience.
Quotes Approval
Hey all, Could you please help in the following: When creating quotes, how to configure it in a way, that its approval would work according to the quoted items description, not according to quote information. In my case, the quote should be sent to approval
Important Update: Facebook Pages API Deprecation
Dear Zoho Analytics users, As of January 26, 2026, Facebook has officially deprecated Facebook Pages API version 18. This update involves the removal of several metrics that were previously supported by the API. As a result, these changes will affect
Adding a Deal to and Existing Contact
I want to easily add a Deal to an existing Contact. If I click on New Deal on the Contact page this currently this is what happens: All of the mandatory field (and other field) information exists within the Contact. Is there a simple way for it to automatically
Custom SMTP is now available in Zoho Sign
Hi there! Want to send Zoho Sign emails from your organization's or personal email server? Look no further! Zoho Sign has introduced custom Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) for Enterprise users across all data centers. By enabling custom SMTP, you
Email was sent out without our permission
Hi there, One customer just reached out to us about this email that we were not aware was being sent to our customers. Can you please check on your end?
Flexible Partial-Use Coupons (Stored Value Credits)
Subject: Feature Request: Ability for users to apply partial coupon balances per transaction Problem Statement Currently, our coupons are "one-and-done." If a user has a $50 coupon but only spends $30, they either lose the remaining $20 or are forced
Prevent accidental duplicate entry of Customer Ordersome
Zoho Support has confirmed that Zoho currently does not have any method (using Deluge, flow or any other method) to alert a user when a sales order has been entered twice using the same customer reference number (i.e. a duplicate). Most ERP platforms
Migrating Brevo Automation Logic to Zoho Campaigns
Hello Zoho Campaigns Support Team, I am in the process of migrating my email marketing from Brevo to Zoho Campaigns. I have around 10,000 contacts, which I have already successfully exported from Brevo and imported into Zoho Campaigns. I now need guidance
Is there a way to delete workspaces?
I want to remove one of the workspaces in my Campaigns account. I don't see any obvious way to do this. Am I missing something?
Collapsing and expanding of lists and paragraphs
hello Would you ever implement Collapsing and expanding of lists and paragraphs in zoho writer ? Best regards
New Custom View -Sorting the Custom fields
While creating a New Custom View in invoice , Customers, Bills ,expense etc , the sorting of custom fields are not available , a query function "order by / sort by " may also be included in Define new criteria module which will be more beneficial to
Make CAMPAIGNS email look as simple as possible
Hi there I'm trying to make my Campaigns email look as much like a normal email as possible. I'm a bit stuck with the "justification" of the email email block. Can I LEFT JUSTIFY the "whole email" to make it look "normal"? (Please see screenshot attached)
[Webinar] Top 10 Most Used Zoho Analytics Features in 2025
Zoho Analytics has evolved significantly over the past year. Discover the most widely adopted features in Zoho Analytics in 2025, based on real customer usage patterns, best practices, and high-impact use cases. Learn how leading teams are turning data
Sorry! we encountered some problems while sending your campaign. It will be sent automatically once we are ready. We apologize for the delay caused.
Hello. Lately we are having problems with some campaigns, which show us this error message. Sorry! we encountered some problems while sending your campaign. It will be sent automatically once we are ready. We apologize for the delay caused. We can't find
Next Page