Hello all!
We hope you’ve had a chance to check out the newly updated
Product Roadmap, which now includes the new features coming up as part of our 2023 Projection 2. Our goal is to continually improve and add new features to our platform on a regular basis. As we continue down this path, we’re thrilled to share with you the latest news and progress. Let’s start with the highlights of this month!
-
Canvas builder
-
Page scripts and Page variables
-
PDF support for OCR AI model
-
Export users/portal users with permission details
-
Formatting options for numeric fields
- - - - - - - - - -
Now let’s take a closer look at each of this month’s updates:
Canvas builder
We're excited to announce our all-new canvas builder, which will revolutionize the customization of the detail views of reports, and help you build beautiful and visually pleasing report layouts. With a feature-laden yet effortlessly easy-to-use drag and drop builder, the canvas builder will empower you to come up with fully functional and versatile reports with ease.
You can select any predesigned layout templates and customize them according to your requirements, or create your own design template from scratch with the help of design tools. All you need to do is simply drag and drop the required elements onto your canvas, customize them without breaking a sweat, and witness your vision come to life.
How to access it
Navigate to the required report, then to
Detail View -> Custom Layout
and click the
Create New Layout
option.
How do I benefit?
Canvas builder will help you come up with professional-looking designs in a fraction of the time, and ensures your users get a consistent and engaging user experience.
Applicable for:
C5, C6
Availability:
All DCs
Released on: 01-Aug-2023
- - - - - - - - - -
Page scripts and page variables
To give you more flexibility while building pages, we're introducing
page scripts
and
page variables.
Page scripts:
These are essentially Deluge workflows for pages, and are pretty similar to
on load
form workflows. You can use the familiar Deluge builder to write your own custom scripts and store values as page variables and use them across various page components, such as panels, charts, and gauges.
Page variables:
These are a step up from the existing page parameters, because their data type definition makes it easier to handle errors and manage references. Plus, you can use custom logic in page scripts to edit and manipulate variables.
How to access it
-
Go to the page builder and click the
Page Variables and Scripts
button.

- Use the labels at the top of the pane to switch between the Scripts and Variables sections.
How do I benefit?
Page scripts and variables allow you to add computational power to visual elements within pages. This will be a valuable asset in the development of attractive pages that improve user experience.
Applicable for:
C5, C6
- - - - - - - - - -
PDF support for OCR AI model
Our OCR AI models (both prebuilt and custom) will now support files in PDF format. Going forward, our OCR will be able to quickly scan PDF files (such as invoices, quotes, and estimates), extract text, and save it in the appropriate fields, as specified by you. PDF files are often multi-page documents, and our AI can now do the heavy lifting for you. This intelligent document processing will save you a lot of time and allow you to focus on more important tasks.
How to configure it
In the same manner as you currently set up an OCR model (
see how), but instead of an
image
field, a
file upload
field should be used as the model input to upload your PDF.
How do I benefit?
Extending our optical character recognition (OCR) model to include PDF files introduces a whole new set of document management capabilities for your business.
Applicable for:
C6
- - - - - - - - - -
Export users/portal users with permission details
We'll be launching significant improvements to the
export users
and
export portal users
options. Going forward, you’ll see
Application level
alongside the existing option, renamed to Account level. After selecting this option, you can select the desired application from the drop-down menu. The exported file using this option will include the user’s email address, along with their roles and permissions for that application.
How to access it
Just like you currently export users,
Users -> More -> Export Users, but the Export users pane will be revamped as shown below:
How do I benefit?
We aim to give you more control over the export users process, allowing you to download the exact data you require for analysis, auditing, compliance, and other purposes, by providing export options with permissions details and application filters for users and portal users.
Applicable for:
C5, C6
Availability:
All DCs
Released on: 27-Jul-23
- - - - - - - - - -
Formatting options for numeric fields
As with the currency field we will be introducing a new section named
Display format
in
number
and
decimal
fields, to allow you to display the data in your desired format. With this new formatting option, we aim to make it easier to read the numbers in your app and meet the needs of different user groups. It's especially useful for number fields that include currency values, so you can show the exact amount of money based on different regions' preferences.
Where do I find them?
-
Navigate to the form builder and drag and drop a number or decimal field.
- In the
Field properties
pane, select the desired format from the drop-down menu under
Display Format.
How do I benefit?
The new formatting option will improve the readability of numeric data in your application and also fulfil regional preferences and industry-specific requirements.
Applicable for:
C5, C6
Availability:
All DCs
Released on: 14-Aug-23
- - - - - - - - - -
That's it from us for this month. Thank you for your continued support, and we’ll be back next month with more exciting updates!
Regards,
Zoho Creator Team
Recent Topics
Can no longer export as pdf
In NOTEBOOK I am no longer able to export notes to pdfs as I used to be able to. When I hit that command it asks where I want to send it, but no matter what I chose there is no pdf attachment that shows up in order to send. Nothing happens.
Emails are going to notification folder and not in inbox
emails are going to notification folder and not into inbox
How can I prevent the Zoho Vault extension from automatically logging me out?
Hi, I want the Zoho Vault Chrome extension to never log out. How can I do this? It only allows me to log out for 1 week, and the same applies to the Android app.
Zoho CRM App - Links
Hi Is there are plan for making Custom Links available in the Zoho CRM Android App? I can't see them being added? Thanks Gene
Templates
Trying to sort out / get rid of unwanted invoice templates, the error msgs are not at all helpful. Surely it's easy to amend the error msg by including a list of the names of the customers / vendors that use it, denying deletion or making it inactive
Contacts limit in basic vs standard - what counts? Are customers contacts?
I’ve been using books for a number years for my small business. I only ever work with 20 clients at any given time. I do purchase services from a number of vendors to run my business, so there are some comtacts there too. I used to use the basic package,
Finding missing records
I have a challenge and I am not really sure where to start with it. I can't find any similar threads on here, can anyone help: I have two forms, FormA and FormB. Both forms have records that contain a field called Job_Number. What I am trying to achieve
Prevent Unapproved Quotes from Exporting to Zoho CRM Finance Module
Is it possible to prevent unapproved quotes in Zoho Books from being exported from Zoho Finance module inside Zoho CRM?
Updates for Zoho Campaigns: Merge tag, footer, and autoresponder migration
Hello everyone, We'd like to inform you of some upcoming changes with regard to Zoho Campaigns. We understand that change can be difficult, but we're dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition while keeping you all informed and engaged throughout the process.
What's New in Zoho Inventory | August – October 2025
Hello customers, The last quarter has been incredibly productive! We've released a powerful slate of new features and enhancements in Zoho Inventory designed to give you better control, greater efficiency, and expanded functionality across your inventory
Let's Talk Recruit: Meet Zia, your all-in-one AI assistant (Part-2)
Welcome back to Let’s Talk Recruit series. In Part 1, we introduced Zia and how AI is reshaping the way recruiters work. This time, we’re taking a closer look at how far Zia has come and how each update continues to simplify your everyday tasks. When
Zoho Developer - Feature Request Platform
Zoho Developer is one of the most underatted platform in zoho ecosystem, however, it may just be what zoho needs to welcome more people to use Zoho Services. The more developers you have creating zoho creator applications and zoho extensions the more
Last/Previous month in relative date filter
In the relative date filter, what is the difference between "Last 2 months" and "Previous 2 months"? So, if we are on 25-July, then is my understanding correct of the following: Last 2 months :=: 25-May~24 July Previous 2 months :=: 01-May~30-June Thanks.
Tags get removed from notes on mobile
I don't know why this keeps happening even after all these app updates but if you log out and log back into the app or you reinstall it, all the tags you assigned to your notes get taken off, but if you go on the desktop version the tags are still there.
VAT rates - exempt and out of scope
Good Evening, UK based company here. I am a bit confused in respect of setting up VAT rates for exempt goods and services; at present I am simply leaving the VAT rate blank in the transactions in order to prevent any VAT appearing in the VAT return. When
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
Work Order Creation Issue
Dear Team, I would like to inquire about the daily limit for Work Order creation in Zoho FSM. Yesterday (02/05/2025) at around 6:30 PM GST, I attempted to create a Work Order, but I have been unable to do so since then. Please find the attached image
URGENT: ChatGPT Extension Failing With “gpt-3 Access Error” (Priority Support)
Appreciate support reviewing this urgently. I am a Priority Support member and need immediate clarification on a recurring issue involving the ChatGPT extensions inside Zoho Desk. Both extensions — including the version created and published by Zoho —
Zoho Desk iOS update: Custom buttons, follow/ unfollow option on tickets
Hello everyone! In the most recent Zoho Desk iOS app update, we have brought in support to access the custom buttons configured on web app(desk.zoho.com). Using custom buttons you can seamlessly execute predefined actions directly from their mobile devices,
Zoho pdf suit
Pl. design products with following feature: 1. Please add all features given in Ilovepdf website to work on pdf files. It is mandatory to use pdf in court work. 2. Courts have prescribed New Times Roman, pl. add this font as well 3. Indexing, signature
Zoho Not Working
Today Zoho not wokring
Dynamically autofill fields with URL parameters
I have a zoho form embedded in my organization's WP website. Our users find their account with a search tool, and then can select to open this page with the embedded form. The URL of the page holds the parameter that I need, but I cannot figure out how
User Automation: User based workflow rules & webhooks
User management is an undeniable part of project management and requires adequate monitoring. As teams grow and projects multiply, manual coordination for updating users & permissions becomes difficult and can give way to errors. User automation in Zoho
Integrate Projects for Desk KB article release tasks
Could you please look into the possibility of integrating project tasks for Zoho Desk article release processes? We are looking for an internal integration between Zoho Projects and Zoho Desk's KB article drafting, reviewing and releasing tasks. We could
Issue in Annual Leave
We created a policy to credit 21 days at the Start of the Year An employee has taken 16 days of leaves thought the year, so we expect to see 5 Leaves remaining right? But Zoho People is Showing 12 Days of Leave Balance Available If we check the Leave
Use the searchBy parameter to find user by email address
I'm trying to find a user is Zoho Desk via the Api. In the documentation I see that there is the possibility to add a searchBy parameter in the request. But I can't find how the search values should be formatted. I've tried multiple things and get either
Zoho CRM Community Digest - September 2025 | Part 2
Hello Everyone! Mid-September vibes: fresh tips, smart hacks, and practical Zoho CRM updates all in one place. Let’s dive in. Product Updates: The All-New Address Field! The new Address field type makes it easier to capture complete addresses in one structured
Zoho Vault API: Create new Secrets
Hello, I attempt to Post Secrets to the vault, since the encrypted entries are almost impossible to decrypt, since there is no documentation on how to decrypt them. Like with the lack of documentation on how to descrypt, there are missing information regarding on how to create new secrets/post secrets. Source: https://www.zoho.com/vault/api/#create-a-new-secret When I try to send JSON Informationen as a POST-Request I only receive the error message: { "operation": { "result": { "error_code": "",
CRM and Finance Tab - Add Invoice "Subject " Column
When On a contact in CRM, and you click the Zoho Finace tab, how can I put in the invoice subject line? Or even a custom field for this. We need to see what that invoice is for, without opening it. If we have tons of invoices we need a way to quick
Collections Management: #4 Before, During & After Payment Processing
"Mark, I think the payment link isn't working. Can you send it again?" Staring at a message, Mark got on his phone. This was the third time the same customer had asked him that week. A few minutes later, another message came, "Hey, the invoice total seems
Account name not populating when importing contacts
When importing a csv file to add contacts the account name is blank? Every other filed gets mapped and imported correctly, i.e contact name, phone number. However not the account name which I have mapped to "company" field in my csv file
Suggestion to improve zoho writer
I am using your product, I believe it is very useful, however, i was writing a note and I needed to draw an arrow in different angles to explain a point and I couldn't. it would be helpful, to add draw functions to the zoho writer. thanks
webhook basic authentication
II want to use a webhook to send out a SMS. Unfortunately Twilio does not use an authToken but basic authentication. I created the webhook as POST and get this url: https://{username}:{password}@api.twilio.com/2010-04-01/Accounts/{account}/Messages?body=<BODY>&to=+155555555&from=+1555555555
Custom function return type
Hi, How do I create a custom deluge function in Zoho CRM that returns a string? e.g. Setup->Workflow->Custom Functions->Configure->Write own During create or edit of the function I don't see a way to change the default 'void' to anything else. Adding
Issue with Hour Calculation in Zoho People Attendance Module
I have noticed an issue in the attendance regularization feature of Zoho People. When trying to regularize past dates, the total working hours are not calculated correctly. For example, if I enter a check-in and check-out time for a previous day, the
Push Notification for New Bookings in Zoho Bookings App
when a someone schedules an appointment through the booking page, is there any option to receive a push notification in the mobile app?
Automation in Zoho Sprints
Hi. I have a Sprints board with the following statuses: ToDo, InProgress, CodeReview, Testing, Preprod, Live When a ticket is moved from e.g. Testing to Preprod, the following tags should be modified: remove 'tested OK' remove 'ready for Preprod' add
Export Purchase orders as Excel
Is it possible to export purchase orders as excel rather than PDF? Our suppliers don't want orders made in PDF, they need it to be excel
Draft & Schedule Emails Directly in Bigin
Greetings, I hope all of you are doing well. We're happy to announce a few recent enhancements we've made to email in Bigin. We'll go over each one in detail, but here's a quick overview: Previously, you couldn't draft or schedule emails in Bigin, but
Create CRM Deal from Books Quote and Auto Update Deal Stage
I want to set up an automation where, whenever a Quote is created in Zoho Books, a Deal is automatically created in Zoho CRM with the Quote amount, customer details, and some custom fields from Zoho Books. Additionally, when the Sales Order is converted
Next Page