Premise
Zoho Creator embraced and pioneered the concept of low-code development way before it became cool. All these years later, we continue to invest resources in furthering the vision of empowering every individual and every organization to quickly build resourceful enterprise-grade applications with minimal programming knowledge.
The Zoho Creator 2023 Release Projection 1 outlines new features that are anticipated to roll out from January through June, while Release Projection 2 outlines features that are anticipated to roll out from July to December.
Release Projection 2
| Feature | Applicable To | Projected Release | General Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDF support for the OCR AI model | C6 | Q3 | Aug 21, 2023 |
| Page scripts | C5, C6 | Q3 | Aug 18, 2023 |
| Page variables | C5, C6 | Q3 | Aug 18, 2023 |
| API v2.1 | C5, C6 | Q3 | Sep 1, 2023 |
| Custom sorting and grouping of records | C6 | Q3 | Oct 3, 2023 |
| Export users | C5, C6 | Q3 | July 27, 2023 |
| Formatting options for numeric fields | C5, C6 | Q3 | Aug 14, 2023 |
| Zia assistant powered by OpenAI | C6 | Q4 | TBA |
| Custom APIs | C6 | Q4 | TBA |
| MFA for portal users | C5, C6 | Q4 | TBA |
| System Integration | C6 | Q4 | TBA |
| Batch processing for records | C5, C6 | Q4 | TBA |
| Set values when adding new parent record | C5, C6 | Q4 | TBA |
| Collect data during blueprint transitions | C5, C6 | Q4 | TBA |
| Focus task in Deluge | C5, C6 | Q4 | TBA |
| Tab index navigation | C5, C6 | Q4 | TBA |
PDF support for OCR AI models
Taking another step towards intelligent document processing, the capabilities of OCR models (both ready-to-use and custom) will be expanded to include support for PDF files, opening up a world of possibilities for your document management tasks.
Going forward, our OCR can swiftly scan PDF files(like Invoices, Quotations, Estimations, etc), extract text, and store it in the relevant fields, as configured by you. As a result of supporting PDF files, the file upload field will become the input field for the OCR model. This enhanced OCR model will significantly reduce the time spent on document processing, enabling you to focus on higher-value tasks.
Business value: These updates will result in streamlined document processing, time-saving efficiency, and razor-sharp accuracy while using OCR models.
Applicable for: C6
Availability: This feature has been released on August 21, 2023.
Reference: Understand OCR model
Page scripts
Aiming to give you unprecedented control and flexibility when creating dynamic pages, we'll be introducing the page scripts, which comes with an easy-to-use Deluge editor. You'll be able to write your own functions with custom logic by using Deluge to customize the data displayed on load of your Creator pages, which will help in achieving and extending your business cases.
This nifty feature will come in handy in scenarios like displaying customized messages, automatically populating data based on specific needs, and on-the-fly data correction.
Business value: Our new page scripts helps you configure custom business logic that aren't otherwise part of Zoho Creator’s native features.
Applicable for: C5, C6
Availability: This feature has been released on August 18, 2023.
Reference: Page variables and script
Page variables
Alongside the introduction of the page scripts, we'll also be implementing page variables, which are a notch above the existing page parameters. All you need to do is create a variable by declaring the data type and you can start using it across panels, charts, gauges, forms, criteria, search, snippets, and other elements of the page.
Due to the input-type validations being taken care of with page variables, you'll be able to increase the accuracy of your data collection vis-a-vis page parameters. Page variables can also be modified and manipulated using functions, making them vastly superior to page parameters.
Business value: Page variables complement the page scripts, and both of them together will help you create tailor-made customized content on your pages.
Applicable for: C5, C6
Availability: This feature has been released on August 18, 2023.
Reference: Page variables and script
API v2.1
While API v2 is still widely used and much loved, we decided to work on v2.1, which contains many of your most requested features and updates, ensuring a smoother and more reliable integration experience. This new version contains:
- A bunch of new APIs, bringing capabilities that were hitherto not available
- Some existing APIs that will be receiving updates to enhance their capabilities
Business value: The versatile new enhancements coming with API v2.1 are designed to provide more flexibility and support your diverse requirements.
Applicable for: C5, C6
Availability: This feature has been released on September 1, 2023.
Reference: Zoho Creator API v2.1
Custom sorting and grouping of records
We'll be reintroducing the custom sorting and custom grouping of records in C6 which will give you enhanced control and flexibility over how your data is organized and displayed in live mode. Based on your sorting/grouping requirements, you can simply drag and drop the records as needed and you'll be presented with a specific view of your records.
Business value: Custom sorting empowers you to take control of how your records are displayed and narrow down and access important information, resulting in a streamlined data management process.
Applicable for: C6
Availability: This feature has been released on October 3, 2023.
Reference: Perform Custom Sorting and Grouping in Common Reports
Export users
With the aim to simplify the user management functions of administrators, we've revamped the export users and export portal users functionalities. The new update allows you to easily export user details, along with their associated permissions, in a structured format. With just a few clicks, you can obtain a clear and concise overview of user email addresses, and their roles and permissions. Additionally, we'll also be allowing you the ability to narrow down users based on the applications they have access to.
The feature even comes with flexibility in export formats (CSV, XLS, XLSX, and TSV), allowing you to choose the format that's most suitable for your requirements.
Business value: Quickly get a holistic view of user and portal user permissions in your Zoho Creator account, which can be useful for auditing and compliance purposes.
Applicable for: C5, C6
Availability: This feature has been released on July 27, 2023.
Formatting options for numeric fields
The new decimal formatting options for the decimal and number fields will display the data in line with local conventions. This flexibility to customize decimal formatting will improve the readability of numeric data within your application and fulfill the requirements of diverse user bases. These options will be specifically beneficial for number fields involving currency values, to accurately represent monetary values based on the preferences of different regions.
Business value: Take full advantage of these new formatting options to align with your regional preferences and industry-specific requirements. Your users will appreciate the attention to detail and the improved readability of numeric data in your application.
Applicable for: C5, C6
Availability: This feature has been released on August 14, 2023.
Reference: Set display format for Number field and Set display format for Decimal field
Zia assistant powered by OpenAI
Zoho's intelligent assistant, Zia, will soon become even smarter, with its new OpenAI integration. Leverage the power of AI to streamline application and form creation with intuitive, language-based instructions.
- Create applications using AI - Zia will help you quickly build apps. Just tell the AI what you want in your app. It will help you create the right components and put them together to create a complete application.
- Create forms - Zia will be able to assist you in effortlessly building professional looking forms.
- Next field suggestions - Zia will intelligently propose the most probable next fields, streamlining the form building experience and making it more intuitive and efficient.
Business value: Using Zia, powered by OpenAI's capabilities, will result in enhanced productivity and a seamless user experience, thereby accelerating your application development process.
Applicable for: C6
Availability: This feature is projected to be released by Q4 2023.
Custom APIs
Zoho Creator provides a comprehensive set of APIs, but your business needs may require features that aren't currently supported. A custom API can help here. Custom APIs allow you to extend Creator's standard functionality by writing your own logic and easily calling it elsewhere.
Essentially, we're coming up with a build-your-own API offering! Simply write your code as a custom function (available in Deluge, Java, or Node.js) and use the intuitive API builder to easily create custom APIs based on it.
The possibilities this feature offers are vast, and Creator is versatile enough to bring those possibilities to life.
Business value: Custom APIs empower you to create your own APIs for tailored solutions, thereby unlocking the full potential of Zoho Creator.
Applicable for: C6
Availability: This feature is projected to be released by Q4 2023.
MFA for Portal users
Soon, your portal users can configure Multi-factor Authentication and add an extra layer of security to protect their account. Subsequently, we'll also be launching the 'My Profile' section, for your portal users, from where they can control their account settings. These updates are designed to ensure your portal users' get an enhanced experience by configuring settings that suit their preferences.
The My Profile section allows portal users to:
- Configure and manage multi-factor authentication with any authenticator apps(like Zoho OneAuth)
- Change their portal account passwords
- View and manage their portal sessions across devices
Business value: Take your portal to the next level by allowing portal users to enhance security and manage important settings and ensure they get a personalized experience.
Applicable for: C5, C6
Availability: This feature is projected to be released by Q4 2023.
System Integration
Unbeknownst to the outside world, few of Zoho Creator's most loved capabilities are powered by other Zoho services (for example: pivot charts come from Zoho Analytics). These behind-the-scenes linkages ensure you're always getting the best features from us.
Now, we'll be lifting the veil on these connections with the launch of System Integration, which will provide Super Admins with a one-stop shop for viewing and managing integrations and ensuring a smooth and hassle-free integration experience between various Zoho services.
Use case: Our payment workflow connections are, in fact, powered by Zoho Checkout. Now, if a developer is facing issues due to expired tokens, the Super Admin can simply reauthorize the connections from System Integration in the Operations section.
Business value: This new addition informs you about various services from other Zoho apps that integrate with Creator, and helps you quickly manage these connections by re-authenticating them, in case tokens expire.
Applicable for: C6
Availability: This feature is projected to be released by Q4 2023.
Batch processing for records
The all-new batch process action will help you manage and regularly perform large, repetitive data processing tasks by efficiently processing of such tasks that are resource-intensive to run. To make the best use of computing resources, it will process such tasks in batches during off-peak hours—for example, at the end of the day or at night, when computing resources are more frequently available.
The new batch process actions under the Workflows section can be configured to run based on a specific date-time or after successful import.
Use case: Imagine an e-commerce system that accepts orders all day long. Rather than processing each order immediately, our system can collect all orders at the end of each day and share them as a batch with our order processing team.
Business value: Streamline your workflows, save valuable time, ensure consistency, and bring unmatched efficiency to your operations.
Applicable for: C5, C6
Availability: This feature is projected to be released by Q4 2023.
Set values for fields when adding new parent record
With this new capability, you can pass parameters from a parent form to a pop-up form with ease. Going forward, you can easily set values in the pop-up which is displayed when you click on the Add new button in lookup fields. With this update, we aim to resolve the scenario where passing values from a main form to a pop-up form would result in repeated pain points.
Use Case: Consider a form that contains fields named "Department manager" and a "Department name". Now in the Department name field, when you click Add New option, the name of the department manager can be passed to the popup from the parent using this functionality.
Business value: Seamless parameter passing from a parent form to a pop-up form will ensure more dynamic data handling within your applications.
Applicable for: C5, C6
Availability: This feature is projected to be released by Q4 2023.
Collect data during blueprint transitions
Adding to the customization options available in blueprints, we'll be supporting the collection of data from the transition owner when performing transitions. Any form fields can be chosen to be displayed during a transition. Only after the form has been successfully submitted will the transitions and the move to the next stage occur.
Business value: You'll be able to mandate data that needs to be collected from a transition owner while performing a transition.
Applicable for: C5, C6
Availability: This feature is projected to be released by Q4 2023.
Focus task in Deluge
Focusing on a field can be useful to ensure quick data entry. That's why we'll be launching a Deluge task that will allow you to focus on a particular field when a specific action is performed (for example: on user input of a field).
This innovative addition reduces manual work, improves efficiency, and ensures more accurate data collection by allowing users to enter data in appropriate fields.
Business value: Focus Deluge tasks provide visual guidance and feedback during the data entry process and nudge users by highlighting specific fields.
Applicable for: C5, C6
Availability: This feature is projected to be released by Q4 2023.
Tab index navigation
To improve and streamline the form filling experience, we're updating the Tab key behavior that ensures efficient and intuitive navigation when working with form fields. Also we'll be coming up with a new set of special keys allowing you four-way navigation capabilities.This enhances the usability of your forms and results in improved user experience.
Business value: These new updates will elevate the interactions with your forms and contribute to saving your users' time and effort.
Applicable for: C5, C6
Availability: This feature is projected to be released by Q4 2023.
Release Projection 1
| Feature | Applicable To | Projected Release | General Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAS for API | C5, C6 | Q1 | Feb 6, 2023 |
| Global deluge variables | C5, C6 | Q1 | Oct 30, 2023 |
| Activity based user filter | C5, C6 | Q1 | TBA |
| AI model assistant to create app from file | C5, C6 | Q1 | Feb 6, 2023 |
| Dynamic embed components in Page | C5, C6 | Q1 | Feb 6, 2023 |
| Import data to reports via permalink | C5, C6 | Q1 | Feb 6, 2023 |
| Canvas builder | C5, C6 | Q2 | Aug 1, 2023 |
| Advanced email analytics | C6 | Q2 | Aug 16, 2023 |
| User engagement dashboard | C6 | Q2 | Aug 29, 2023 |
| Application engagement dashboard | C6 | Q2 | Aug 29, 2023 |
| Import huge CSV files | C5, C6 | Q2 | June 23, 2023 |
| Portal session timeout | C5, C6 | Q2 | May 30, 2023 |
| Phone number login for Portal | C5, C6 | Q2 | TBA |
| Portal page customization | C5, C6 | Q2 | Jul 27, 2023 |
| Application Menu | C5, C6 | Q2 | TBA |
| Revamped deluge editor | C5, C6 | Q2 | TBA |
OpenAPI Specification for Creator V2 API
Zoho Creator's v2 API will now be described using the OpenAPI Specification (OAS) v3.0, which is the most widely used standard for API description, and refers to a standard interface for describing REST APIs. Our OAS files, written in JSON format, are language agnostic and are both machine readable and human interpretable.
You can choose to download the entire set of OAS files or grab them individually for each API. That's it. Then use these OAS file(s) in Swagger to get more information about the APIs and download them as libraries for more than 40 languages. This includes stuff like the HTTP verbs to use (GET, POST, PUT, etc.), the endpoints, allowable parameters and types, authentication mechanisms, error codes, and much more.
Business value: With the Creator APIs being described in the industry standard OAS 3.0, businesses can expect their developers to shorten the learning curve, resulting in reduced development costs and time.
Availability: This feature has been released on February 6, 2023.
Reference: OpenAPI Specification
Global variables in Deluge
You'll now be able to declare variables that have a global scope—for example, everywhere throughout Zoho Creator. Define the global variable once, store the data, and then reuse them widely across all other forms or applications, just like you currently do for functions.
Business value: With reusable variables, you can centralize their definition—as only a one-time declaration is required—and access them in multiple places.
Availability: This feature has been released on October 30, 2023.
Reference: Variables
Activity-based user filter
More privileges are being extended to administrators, which will enable them to filter users based on their last activity within the workspace. Now you'll be able to scan filtered lists to identify inactive users. Additionally, you can perform bulk actions on them to improve user management.
Business value: Get actionable information based on user activity in your workspace and make remedial measures.
Availability: This feature is projected to be released by Q1 2023.
AI model assistant to create apps from files
Our new AI-driven smart import will help you turn files containing raw and unstructured data into a proper business application, with scalable data models and a logical structure. Our powerful AI will instantaneously perform deep analysis on the data and come up with suggestions to split them into smaller tables, along with suitable relationships that can be established by showing you a list of reference forms and lookup fields.
Business value: Jump-start and synchronize your disorganized data by importing it, and then shape them up for consumption.
Availability: This feature has been released on February 6, 2023.
Reference: Restructure Table
Dynamically embed components in Page
Create content-rich pages by dynamically embedding any Creator component (forms, reports, and more) through embed and div embed (HTML snippets). The ability to integrate different components will open countless ways to customize your pages.
Business value: Customize and modernize your pages by embedding and displaying components to provide your users with the information they wish to see.
Availability: This feature has been released on February 6, 2023.
Reference: Understanding the zc_LoadIn parameter
Import data to reports via permalink
With the import permalink, you can save your users the hassle of having to navigate to each report in order to import data into it. This import permalink can be added into other components (like forms, pages, etc.), thereby allowing you to embed the import data flow anywhere in the user journey.
Business value: The import permalink can provide much-needed flexibility to the process of importing data to reports. A case in point would be configuring a button at the top of the page that can be dedicated to import weekly invoices.
Availability: This feature has been released on February 6, 2023.
Reference: Functionality based URL to import data to reports
Canvas builder
A new Canvas builder is being added, to build aesthetic, enticing, and visually pleasing detail views of reports. With a feature-laden yet effortlessly easy-to-use drag and drop builder, you'll be able to create personalized views for your reports along with minute attention to detail. Use the Canvas builder to provide a transformed experience for your various stakeholders, like employees and customers.
Business value: Use our no-code drag-and-drop canvas builder to create gorgeous reports for your business that are both attractive and easy-to-read. Fine-tune the formatting to provide efficient and personalized experience for your users.
Availability: This feature has been released on August 1, 2023.
Reference: Understand canvas layout designer
Advanced email analytics
Gather insights into responses to all the emails triggered from your Creator applications with the help of advanced email analytics. Use the metrics provided to make informed decisions on customizations needed to engage your audience and drive better results for your business.
This conjunction with ZeptoMail will enable you to improve your email performance with the help of detailed email logs, recipient activity tracking, and real-time notifications.
Business value: Get across-the-board information on valuable email metrics for your business.
Availability: This feature has been released on August 16, 2023.
Reference: Manage Email Analytics
User engagement dashboard
Get a holistic view of the user activity in your Creator account. Gather insights, identify trends, and discover anomalies with the help of a comprehensive set of KPIs, metrics, and other key data points.
We've managed to simplify complex data sets on user usage statistics with the help of data visualizations, in order to come up with our engagement dashboard, which will act as a one-stop destination for admins to know who did what, when, and where.
Business value: Unparalleled access to in-depth insights on user engagement in your Creator account.
Availability: This feature has been released on August 29, 2023.
Reference: Understand Metrics
Application engagement dashboard
This is an extensive dashboard to track activity and analyze usage of your Creator applications. Accumulate statistics on how your apps are performing over different time periods, and use them to optimize the app and improve productivity.
Business value: Measure application performance using various metrics, and use this data to identify trends and ensure efficient app usage.
Availability: This feature has been released on August 29, 2023.
Reference: Understand Metrics
Import huge CSV files
Data is being generated at an astronomical rate in today's digitized world, and it's paramount to have the capability to handle large amounts of data correctly. The ability to import huge CSV(up to 2GB) will act as a substantial enhancement while creating an application, creating a form, or importing data to reports. By using the most popular file format for data storage in business operations, you'll be able to easily migrate data sets into Creator from your local database or any other service.
Business value: Transpose large and complex databases into Creator and process them to extract relevant and valuable information for your business.
Availability: This feature has been released on June 23, 2023.
Reference: Create form by importing data and Import data to reports
Portal session timeout
Safeguard your portal users' accounts from potential misuse and security threats by determining when a session should be terminated after detecting user inactivity. Idle session timeout is the amount of time a portal user can remain idle before the session is ended. Take responsibility for your portals' security by preventing unauthorized access and reducing exposure to data breaches.
Business value: Augment the security of your portal users and your organization by configuring dynamic session timeouts.
Availability: This feature has been released on May 30, 2023.
Reference: Manage Portal Settings
Phone number login for Portal
Improve the accessibility and reach of your portals by allowing portal users to sign up using their mobile numbers. Across the world, we've seen a rapid transformation into mobile-first consumer economies. Keeping momentum with such tectonic shifts, allowing signup via a mobile number is a great value addition to democratize access and energize your portals.
Note: This feature will be available only for users on the US and IN data centers.
Business value: Guarantee the equitability of your portal by ensuring access for more users, irrespective of whether they're a blue collar worker or from developing countries where mobile phones rule the roost.
Availability: This feature is projected to be released by Q2 2023.
Portal page customization
You'll soon be able to customize your signup, login, and reset password pages to make them more engaging and appealing to your portal users. Level up your Portal pages using these new upcoming customization options, and refashion them with visual elements in such a way that they're more in harmony with the overall branding of your business.
Business value: Customize your Portal pages to ensure their look and feel align with that of your organization.
Availability: This feature has been released on July 27, 2023.
Reference: Customize Portal Pages
Application menu
Reimagining the existing approach to the grouping of Creator components into sections, we'll be unveiling a brand-new builder to design the menu structure of your applications. Among other things, you'll have the ability to create an entirely new hierarchy of menus, which will make navigating the different components of your app a walk in the park.
Business value: Create versatile yet personalized menus with compartmentalized information for your users.
Availability: This feature is projected to be released by Q2 2023.
Revamped Deluge editor
After pondering the issue for awhile, we've decided to make the code editor more refined and flexible for building and debugging scripts using your favorite programming language, Deluge.
- The new Deluge editor is smart enough to detect coding errors as you script. By displaying real-time intuitive error messages, even before saving the script, you'll get an at-a-glance breakdown of what went wrong.
- Set up your own custom shortcuts to help perform actions quickly.
- Full-screen mode for the Deluge editor will eliminate all on-screen distractions, allow remarkable scrolling fluidity, and occupy as much real estate on your display as possible.
- We're also adding more enhancements to make the scripting experience easier.
Business value: Turn your ideas into code quickly with the new Deluge editor.
Availability: This feature is projected to be released by Q2 2023.