Hello everyone,

Zoho have a great time exploring Release Projection 1 for 2025!  Zoho  announced to continue the momentum with another round of feature-packed updates and enhancements in Zoho Creator. Here’s a quick look at what’s new this month:

• App Menu Builder

• BYOK Encryption Support

• Workflows for Integration Forms

• Deluge Editor Improvements

• Custom App Logo Options

• Enhanced Custom APIs

• New Built-in Connectors

App Menu Builder – Now Live!  

One of the most requested features is finally here—the all-new App Menu Builder. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, you can now build and manage navigation menus in your Zoho Creator applications with ease.

Key Highlights:

• Organize with Spaces: Group components into logical spaces and control visibility based on user roles.

• Customize Menus: Add both system (approvals, connections) and user components (forms, reports, etc.).

• Improved Visual Layouts: Incorporate sections, separators, titles, and lines for structured and clear navigation.

• Unified User Experience: Your menu layout remains consistent across web, mobile, and tablet interfaces.

Why it matters:
This builder gives you complete control over how users navigate your app, enabling a more personalized and seamless experience.

• Applicable for: C5, C6

• Availability: All Data Centers

• Reference: App Menu Documentation

Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) for Data Encryption  

Zoho have added BYOK support to give enterprises more control over their data security. With this, you can use your own encryption key (KEK) instead of Zoho’s default key for encrypting data at rest.

Compatible External Key Management Systems:

• AWS KMS

• Google Cloud KMS

• Thales CTM

• Fortanix DSM

Manual key uploads are also supported for those preferring not to use third-party EKMs.

How to enable it:
Navigate to Governance → BYOK → Configure Key, which will take you to the Zoho Directory setup page.

Why it matters:
BYOK helps organizations maintain data ownership, meet compliance standards, and reinforce data security.

• Applicable for: C6

• Availability: All DCs

• Release Date: March 3, 2025

• Reference: Encryption with Private Key

Workflows for Integration Forms  

Zoho have  enhanced integration forms with workflow automation support, enabling you to trigger actions based on a variety of form events and user inputs.

Triggers now supported:

• On Load

• On Validate

• On User Input

• Field Rules

This makes it easier to build dynamic workflows using data from external sources linked via integration forms.

How to use:
While creating a workflow, integrated forms now appear in the form selection dropdown.

Why it matters:
This update simplifies automation, improves data consistency across platforms, and reduces manual effort.

• Applicable for: C5, C6

• Availability: All DCs

• Release Date: March 7, 2025

• Reference: Workflow Setup Guide

Deluge Editor – Scripting Just Got Better  

Zoho have rolled out some powerful upgrades to the Deluge script editor, making it more user-friendly and efficient.

What’s new:

• Live Error Detection: See syntax errors in real-time while scripting.

• Custom Shortcuts: Set personalized keyboard shortcuts for frequently used actions.

• Full-Screen Mode: Maximize your coding workspace for better focus and usability.

Why it matters:
These improvements help developers write cleaner code faster, reduce errors, and enjoy a distraction-free scripting environment.

• Applicable for: C5, C6

• Availability: All DCs

App Logo Customization  

Your branding just got a boost! Zoho Creator now allows full customization of your app logo, helping you better represent your brand.

Options Available:

• Text Logo: Choose custom text and pick from a variety of colors.

• Image Upload: Upload your own logo in JPG, JPEG, or PNG formats.

Where to access it:
Go to Application Summary, hover over the logo, and click the edit (pen) icon.

Why it matters:
Create a professional, brand-aligned look for your apps with ease.

• Applicable for: C5, C6

• Availability: All DCs

• Reference: App Branding Guide

Custom API Enhancements  

Custom APIs are getting a big upgrade! You can now test custom APIs within environments, ensuring everything works before pushing to production.

What’s new:

• Testing in Environments: Validate APIs during development phases.

• Expanded User Scope: Choose from Admin Only, Selective Users, Portal Users, and All Users.

• API in Environment-Enabled Functions: Use Custom APIs in advanced app functions.

• Portal User Access: Portal users can now trigger Custom APIs via widgets.

Why it matters:
These upgrades help you catch issues early and protect your production environment while providing broader API accessibility.

• Applicable for: C6

• Availability: All DCs

• Reference: Custom API Guide

22 New Built-in Connectors  

Zoho  expanding integration possibilities with 22 new connectors, making it even easier to integrate Zoho Creator with your favorite tools and services.

New connectors include:

• Zoho SalesIQ

• Zoho Notebook

• Zoho Vault

• Zoho Learn

• Zoho Workerly

• Zoho Mail

• Zoho FSM

• Zoho WorkDrive

• Zoho Sprints

• Zoho Table

• Catalyst by Zoho

• Zoho Connect

• Zoho Writer

• Asana

• TrainerCentral

• Bigin by Zoho CRM

• Zoho Desk

• Zoho CommunitySpaces

• Mailchimp

• Freshdesk

• Calendly

• Dropbox

Why it matters:
These new integrations open up endless possibilities for automation, data sync, and workflow enhancement across platforms.

• Applicable for: C6

• Reference: Connector Documentation

 For more details visit pfc-group.com.