Zoho Creator to Zoho Writer for prefilled documents...

Zoho Creator to Zoho Writer for prefilled documents...

In response to the question about connecting Zoho Creator to Zoho Writer for prefilled documents, I wanted to share a working implementation that demonstrates how to use the record_id parameter with the Zoho Writer Merge API. This allows Writer to automatically fetch data from your Creator record without manually building the merge data map. The Solution According to the official Merge and Sign documentation, instead of using merge_data, you can pass the record_id and Writer will fetch the data internally:
Key Insight: This approach is applicable only for Zoho CRM, Creator, Recruit and Bigin templates. When you pass the record_id parameter, Zoho Writer automatically retrieves the field values from your Creator record - no need to manually construct a merge data map.
Working Script Example

Here's a complete Deluge function that demonstrates using the Creator record ID with the Merge and Sign API:

Pro Tip: When configuring your merge template in Writer, you'll connect it to a Creator report as the data source. If you trigger a merge manually within Writer, all fields will populate correctly. However, when triggered via the Merge API, Writer uses the Creator Get Record by ID API to fetch data from your report — this means any fields not included in the connected Creator report will return empty in the merged document. Ensure all fields you need are present in the Creator report before using the API.
void zWriterSign.sendForSigning(Form_Name fnRecord)
{
    //fetch employee record
    eeRecord = Employee[ID = fnRecord.Employee_Lookup];
    //
    //Writer template ID (found in document URL)
    templateId = "dfd8f76sf0dfdfeb8974ifcx9873d9876d8s03";
    //
    //Use the Creator record ID - Writer will fetch the data automatically
    recordId = fnRecord.ID.toString();
    //
    param = Map();
    param.put("record_id",recordId);
    param.put("service_name","zohosign");
    param.put("filename",fnRecord.Field_Name);
    //
    //Build signer list
    signerList = List();
    //
    //First signer - approver
    signerObj1 = Map();
    signerObj1.put("recipient_1",ifnull(eeRecord.Email,"fallback@example.com"));
    signerObj1.put("action_type","approve");
    //approve|sign|view|in_person_sign
    signerObj1.put("language","en");
    signerList.add(signerObj1);
    //
    //Second signer - actual signer
    signerObj2 = Map();
    signerObj2.put("recipient_2",fnRecord.Signer_Email);
    signerObj2.put("action_type","sign");
    //approve|sign|view|in_person_sign
    signerObj2.put("language","en");
    signerList.add(signerObj2);
    //
    param.put("signer_data",signerList);
    param.put("sign_in_order","true");
    //
    //Optional: custom message
    if(!fnRecord.Custom_Message.isEmpty())
    {
        param.put("message",fnRecord.Custom_Message);
    }
    //
    //Optional parameters
    param.put("reminder_period","3");
    param.put("set_expire","7");
    param.put("test_mode",true);
    //
    //Execute the merge and sign request
    newSignMerge = invokeurl
    [
        url :"https://www.zohoapis.eu/writer/api/v1/documents/" + templateId + "/merge/sign"
        type :POST
        parameters:param
        connection:"zwritersign"
    ];
    //
    info newSignMerge;
}
Important: Data Center Considerations The API endpoint URL must match your Zoho data center. Using the wrong domain will result in authentication failures or data access issues.
Data Center Region API Domain
US United States https://www.zohoapis.com/writer/api/v1/...
EU Europe https://www.zohoapis.eu/writer/api/v1/...
IN India https://www.zohoapis.in/writer/api/v1/...
AU Australia https://www.zohoapis.com.au/writer/api/v1/...
JP Japan https://www.zohoapis.jp/writer/api/v1/...
CA Canada https://www.zohoapis.ca/writer/api/v1/...
CN China https://www.zohoapis.com.cn/writer/api/v1/...
How to determine your data center:
  • Log into your Zoho Creator application
  • Check the URL in your browser's address bar
  • If it shows creator.zoho.eu, use zohoapis.eu
  • If it shows creator.zoho.com, use zohoapis.com
  • Match the domain suffix accordingly for other regions
Prerequisites

Before using this API, ensure you have:

1. Template Access
Open your Writer template at least once from the Zoho Writer dashboard before sending API requests. Navigate to the hamburger menu → Automate tab.
2. OAuth Connection
Create a connection in Creator with the required scopes:
ZohoWriter.documentEditor.ALL
ZohoWriter.merge.ALL
ZohoSign.documents.ALL

Template Field Mapping:

Your Writer template merge fields must match your Creator form field names exactly. When using record_id, Writer automatically maps fields by their link names.

Available Merge API Endpoints The record_id approach works with multiple Writer Merge APIs:
API Endpoint Purpose
Merge and Sign /merge/sign Merge document and send for electronic signature via Zoho Sign
Merge and Email /merge/email Merge document and send as email attachment
Merge and Store /merge/store Merge document and save to Zoho WorkDrive
Merge Document /merge Merge and return download link (expires in 2 days)
Merge and Share Fillable /merge/sharetofill Generate pre-filled fillable links for data collection
Signer Configuration Options
//Available action types for signers:
signerObj.put("action_type","sign");        //Requires signature
signerObj.put("action_type","approve");     //Approval only, no signature
signerObj.put("action_type","view");        //View only access
signerObj.put("action_type","in_person_sign"); //In-person signing

//Optional: Specify recipient name
signerObj.put("recipient_name","John Smith");

//Optional: Add private notes to signer
signerObj.put("private_notes","Please review section 3 carefully");

//Optional: Alternative delivery methods
deliveryType = Map();
deliveryType.put("type","sms");             //or "whatsapp"
deliveryType.put("countrycode","+1");
deliveryType.put("phonenumber","5551234567");
signerObj.put("delivery_type",{deliveryType});
Common Issues and Solutions
Issue Cause Solution
"Invalid merge data" error Record ID not found or wrong format Ensure record_id is passed as a string using .toString()
Empty merge fields Field name mismatch between Creator and Writer Verify template merge field names match Creator field link names exactly
Authentication failure Wrong data center domain Match API domain to your account's data center
"Template not accessible" error Template not opened in Writer UI Open template once from Writer dashboard → Automate tab
Connection scope error Missing OAuth scopes Regenerate connection with all required scopes listed above
Pro Tip: Use param.put("test_mode",true); during development. This allows you to test the merge without consuming Zoho Sign credits (though the output will contain a watermark). Remove this parameter for production use.

    • Recent Topics

    • Create formula calculations in Assemblies for scaling quantities

      Something we have been encountering with our composite items is dealing with scaling of quantity of one or more items within the composite assembly relative to the number of complete units being sold. I.e. running the equation 2(n-1) on one of the assembly
    • ZOHO CRM Quote Export / Quote Report

      How can I either Export my quote list, or create a Report that shows all quotes AND includes the NOTES field in a column. I attempted to Run a Report which includes ALL FIELDS, however it does not include the Notes Field (but oddly does include the fields
    • Calculate Hours Minutes Sec in Zoho Creator Using Deluge

      check_In = "8-Aug-2023 10:00:00".toDateTime().toLong(); checkout = "8-Aug-2023 18:00:00".toDateTime().toLong(); //difference = start.timeBetween(end); check_In = "8-Aug-2023 17:56:50".toDateTime().toLong(); checkout = "8-Aug-2023 18:00:00".toDateTime().toLong();
    • Build Smarter Apps with AI in Zoho Creator

      Build Smarter Apps with AI in Zoho Creator This is truly the era of AI, and businesses that adapt now will lead tomorrow. Zoho is already moving ahead in this direction, continuously evolving its platform with powerful AI capabilities. With Zoho Creator,
    • Zoho Recruit - Email Relay

      Good day, Has anyone succeeded in setting up an email relay for Office 365? If I add the details from https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/pop-imap-and-smtp-settings-8361e398-8af4-4e97-b147-6c6c4ac95353, I get the connection error. Regards, Eka
    • Zia Dashboard Insights : turn your dashboard into decisions

      When you look at a chart or KPI in a dashboard, you would possibly see something like: Revenue: $2.4M ↓ 18% vs last month. It can be a positive growth or a negative one, or a dip in revenue, a spike in deals, a slowdown in renewals—all you usually see
    • Tickets without registration

      Hi, would it be possible to give customers the opportunity to be able to read their tickets without registration?
    • Zoho Desk Answer Bot vs. Zia Agents – Knowledge Base & Ticket Access

      Hi everyone, I’m currently evaluating AI options in Zoho Desk and ran into some limitations with the Answer Bot: Answer Bot limitations Only uses Knowledge Base articles No access to tickets Limited control over sources: Either one Help Center or all
    • Como estruturar automações eficientes no Zoho Creator

      Como estruturar automações eficientes no Zoho Creator Introdução No contexto de aplicações empresariais, automação não é apenas uma conveniência, é um fator crítico para ganho de produtividade, redução de erros e escalabilidade operacional. O Zoho Creator
    • Changing the status of a work-order

      Is there a way to change the status of a work-order?
    • Trigger workflows from SLA escalations in Zoho Desk?

      Hey everyone, I’m currently working with SLA escalation rules in Zoho Desk and ran into a limitation that I’m hoping someone here has solved more elegantly. As far as I can tell, SLA escalations only support fairly limited actions (like changing the ticket
    • What is a realistic turnaround time for account review for ZeptoMail?

      On signing up it said 2-3 business days. I am on business-day 6 and have had zero contact of any kind. No follow-up questions, no approval or decline. Attempts to "leave a message" or use the "Contact Us" form have just vanished without a trace. It still
    • Zia Agents in Zoho CRM: a better way to set up digital employees

      Hello everyone, If you've been using Zia Agents in Zoho CRM, so far using Connections was the only deployment method you're familiar with. You create an agent in Zia Agents (define its objective, write instructions, use tools, add knowledge base) and
    • Bank Feeds

      Since Friday my bank feeds wont work. I have refreshed feeds, deactivate and reactivate and nothing is working
    • Logged out

      Hi, just been working on a sheet when a pop up box appeared telling me I'm going to be logged out in x number of seconds and if I reload I may lose any edits, or words to that effect. It did indeed log me out and I did indeed lose my last edits. Any idea
    • Zoho API

      I have little experience with API. I'm trying to get a Custom API working with Zoho creator. I have created a Custom API and created an Endpoint URL, but i get a 9400 error code "The provided HTTP method is not valid for this custom API". Based off the
    • #157127950

      Where did my initial question go?
    • Zoho writer unable to merge documents to PDF with basic fonts in Hebrew or fonts from my computer

      I created several forms that will be merged into PDF files through Zoho Writer and I am unable to receive the PDF in the basic fonts of the Hebrew language or in the fonts I have on my computer. The writer exports to PDF an exchange font that looks very
    • How I Implemented Subscription-Based Access Control and Expiry Handling in Zoho Creator

      I recently worked on a use case where users come into the application to request a service, but they should only be able to continue the process after completing a subscription. The challenge was not just controlling access, but also making sure that
    • Zoho Forms API

      Is there any way to get all form entry list using API? Looking forward to hear from you
    • Zoho Projects : Task should auto-update to 'In Progress' if timer started

      Namaskaram. Right now, if a Task's timer is started, the Task stays in 'Not Started' status. One has to manually update it to 'In Progress'. From a #uxdesign standpoint, it is an unnecessarily two step process to start working on a task. It would be better that, if I start the timer on a task, it should automatically change to 'In Progress' status. Crafted with ❤️ Zoho Gurus | Zoho One Practice Team @ CubeYogi Zoho Authorised Partner | 7+ Yrs | 200+ Projects | 100+ Customers
    • Laatste facturen en betalingen niet zichtbaar in mijn account

      Wij gebruiken ZOHO invoice al jaren, maar sinds afgelopen week is mijn laatst verzonden factuur niet zichtbaar in mijn account, en tevens de laatst betaalde facturen zie ik niet. Hoe kan dit? Ik heb de pagina al diverse keren gerefreshed.
    • Undelivered Mail uncategorized-bounce errors when sending invoices

      Recently we have been getting Undelivered Mail bounce notification when sending invoices. Reason: uncategorized-bounce Some go through no problem some bounce back. We recently sent 10 invoices, 6 received bounce notifications. After reaching out to the
    • Option to Delete Chats in IM

      Currently, there is no option to delete any chats in IM, regardless of their source.
    • CRM x WorkDrive: File storage for new CRM signups is now powered by WorkDrive

      Availability Editions: All DCs: All Release plan: Released for new signups in all DCs. It will be enabled for existing users in a phased manner in the upcoming months. Help documentation: Documents in Zoho CRM Manage folders in Documents tab Manage files
    • Can I import MSG files into Microsoft 365 without Outlook?

      Yes, absolutely. You do not need Outlook installed to import MSG files into Microsoft 365. Aryson MSG file Converter is a dedicated tool that eliminates the Outlook dependency entirely, making the migration process simple and efficient for all users.
    • All new Address Field in Zoho CRM: maintain structured and accurate address inputs

      Availability Update: 29 September 2025: It's currently available for all new sign-ups and for existing Zoho CRM orgs which are in the Professional edition exclusively for IN DC users. 2 March 2026: Available to users in all DCs except US and EU DC. 24
    • Introducing Radio Buttons and Numeric Range Sliders in Zoho CRM

      Release update: 1. 2 March 2026: Currently out for CN, JP, AU and CA DCs (Free and standard editions). For other DCs, this will be released by mid-March. 2. 26 March 2026: CA, SA, AU, JP, CN DCs - Free, Standard, Professional, Enterprise, Ultimate, CRM
    • Feature Request - A Way To Search Item Groups

      Hi Inventory Team, I can't find any way to filter or search by fields of Item Groups. It would be great to see that functionality added. I have a use case where a single product might come from 5 or more suppliers and each supplier's item is an Item in
    • Zoho Books/Inventory - Update Marketplace Sales Order via API

      Hi everyone, Does anyone know if there is a way to update Sales Orders created from a marketplace intigration (Shopify in this case) via API? I'm trying to cover a scenario where an order is changed on the Shopify end and the changes must be reflected
    • Ticket id issues

      When I reply a ticket from desktop, it doesn't have ticket id in the subject and it's great. When I reply a ticket from Zoho desk mobile, Zoho adds ticket id in the subject and I don't want that. Please help in this matter.
    • Advanced email configuration - agent's name vs. department name

      We currently have all four Advanced Configuration options turned ON at the Global-level (Channels > Email > Advanced Configuration) - including the "Show Agent name in Ticket replies and outgoing emails" option. We also had that same option turned ON
    • sync two zoho crm

      Hello everyone. Is it possible to sync 2 zoho crm? what would be the easiest way? I am thinking of Flow. I have a Custom Module that I would like to share with my client. We both use zoho crm. Regards.
    • Add Bounced as an Email Action / Notification for Bounced Emails

      This is one of the hard requirements for the clients we're servicing. They want to get an internal email notification whenever the email they sent to their contacts have bounced, so that they can look into it and update the email address. Currently, the
    • Files Uploaded to Zoho WorkDrive Not Being Indexed by Search Engines

      Hello, I have noticed that the files I upload to Zoho WorkDrive are not being indexed by search engines, including Google. I’d like to understand why this might be happening and what steps I can take to resolve it. Here are the details of my issue: File
    • Notebook AI limits

      Hi folks, Working with the AI transcription tools in Notebook, on the Mac App, which I find quite handy, but the one thing I am struggling with is the inability to either edit or copy the results of the transcript: I can't click in any of the boxes, and
    • not able to convert pdf to jpg and other forms and vice versa.

      i want to change my pdf to jpg, word, etc and some times jpg to pdf. i don't know how to do in this.
    • What’s New in Zoho Analytics - March 2026

      Hello Users! In this month's update, we bring improvements across integrations, security, reporting, and analytics capabilities to help you work with your data more efficiently and with greater control. Explore what’s new and see how these enhancements
    • Zoho People > Performance Management > Appraisal cycle

      Hello All I am using this 2 users to test out how it work on Performance Management User 1 - Reportee User 2 - Reporting Manager : Li Ting Haley User 1 : Self Appraisal Error How do i fix this error?
    • SalesIQ Tip for Admins: Guide Operators in Real-time Without Interrupting the Chat

      Consider this. You're a supervisor and you're looking through the active conversations. An associate is mid-chat with a high-value prospect. The prospect asks something unexpected, maybe about a tailor-made subscription plan or a bulk discount that’s
    • Next Page