Zoho Creator

https://www.zoho.com/creator/  

Zoho Creator is a  Hybrid/Low-Code application development platform that allows users to build custom applications without extensive coding. 

 

Pros: 

  • User-Friendly Interface: Zoho Creator provides a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise. 
  • Pre-Built Templates: Zoho Creator offers pre-built templates for common business applications, which can help users get started quickly and reduce development time. 
  • Scalability: It is scalable, allowing businesses to start with small applications and scale up as their needs grow, either in the number of users or in the amount of storage they require. 
  • Workflow Automation: Zoho Creator supports the automation of workflows, helping organizations streamline processes and improve efficiency. 
  • Live Chat: Zoho Creator has a live chat feature that allows you to talk with someone on the Zoho team to work towards a solution to any issue you might encounter. 
  • Online Demos: Zoho Creator allows you to book free online demos, which connect you with a member of Zoho’s Creator Solutions team. These demos allow you to walk through your specific needs with a Zoho team member who knows the ins and outs of Zoho Creator. 
  • HIPAA compliant: Zoho Creator is HIPAA compliant, making you the only entity able to access your application. Zoho Creator only can have access to your application and the data you store in it when you as the application owner give support access, which expires after one day or seven days. 

 

Cons: 

  • Learning Curve: While Zoho Creator is designed to be user-friendly, there may still be a learning curve for users new to the platform or low-code development in general. 
  • Limited Customization: Despite being a versatile platform, some users may find that Zoho Creator has limitations in terms of customization, especially for complex or highly specialized applications. 
  • Cost Structure: The pricing structure of Zoho Creator may become a drawback for certain users, especially if their application requirements demand higher-tier plans. 
  • Limited Advanced Features: For users with advanced development needs or those requiring highly specialized features, Zoho Creator may offer a different level of capabilities than more advanced development platforms. 

 

Pricing 

  • For more info on pricing, click here 

 

Create a Report 

  1. Click on the plus button by Reports in the navigation bar 
  2. Choose from different types of reports, such as Lists or Pivot Tables 
  3. Select the form you want to report on from the drop-down, title the report, and if needed you can configure security settings 
  4. Edit fields for what you would like included in the report. You may add new fields and delete certain fields by clicking on the field, then selecting the “Delete Field” button. Filtering, grouping, and sorting capabilities can also be added before creating a report. 
  5. For more info on reports, click here. 

 

Create a Form 

 In Zoho Creator, creating a new form involves navigating to the Form Builder within your chosen application and initiating the process by clicking on "+ New Form." Define the form's purpose in the properties section, and enhance its structure by adding various field types, customizing labels, and setting validation rules. Zoho’s language - Deluge - consists of conditional logic and dynamic features for the fields. Layout, style, and confirmation messages can also be modified. The "Workflow" tab allows automations to implement rules such as email notifications or record updates, adding more efficiency to functionalities within forms. 

For more information on forms, click here. 

 

Permission Levels 

Zoho Creator allows you to assign different roles to different users of the application. This allows users to be limited in what functionality they have within the application. The ability to create, edit, or delete form, reports, or records can all be restricted by assigning these roles.  

For a detailed guide on assigning roles, click here. 

 

Workflows 

Workflows help with establishing rules to create specific actions triggered by defined conditions. This could involve sending email notifications, updating records, or implementing other customized actions. This feature helps automate manual work, ultimately fostering a more efficient workflow. 

For more information on workflows, click here. 

 

Zoho Creator Additional Links: 

Developer Guide: https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/kb/creator/developer-guide  

Deluge Guide: https://www.zoho.com/deluge/