Connections

Connections

What are Connections?

Connections serve as a bridge to authenticate and integrate with external services. You can consider connection as a way that allows you to link forms in your Zoho Forms account with a third-party service.
Zoho Forms provides a range of pre-built integrations with popular services like Zoho CRM, Salesforce, Google Sheets, Outlook calendar and more. If the desired service is not available, you can create custom connections on your own and connect to the desired services using webhooks integration.
Notes
Note:
  1. You can create more than one connection with the same service.
  2. Connections is supported only in our paid plans.

Enabling Connection for Zoho Forms Org

The Super Admin of your Zoho Forms organization has to initialize a connection. To do this,
  1. Login into your Zoho Forms account as the Super Admin.
  2. Click the    icon on the left in the forms listing page to access the Control Panel.

    Navigate to Control Panel

  3. Click Connections  under Developer Space.
    Click Connections
  4. Click Connect.

    Click Connect

Creating a Service

  1. In your Zoho Forms account, click the  icon on the left in the forms listing page to access the Control Panel.

    Navigate to Control Panel
  2. Click Connections under Developer Space.
    Click Connections
  3. Click Create Service under Custom Services.

    Create Connection
  4. Provide the following information:
    • Service Name:  This is the display name of the service that you want to create. Display name can contain up to 50 characters.
    • Service Link Name: Link name of the service to help you to uniquely identify your custom service.

      Note:  The link name that you provide must satisfy the following conditions:
      • It must begin with a lower case letter.
      • It can contain lower case letters, numbers, and underscores (_).
      • It can contain up to 50 characters.
    • Authentication Type: Choose from the following authentication types based on the desired service's API documentation:
      Type Description Fields
      API Key This auth type requires you to specify the params for establishing a connection with the desired service. In the next step, you will have to supply values for these params to perform the integration. For example, if you specify authtoken as param, the next step would be to provide your account's auth token to establish a successful connection.

      On choosing API Key as authentication type, you need to provide values to the following fields:

      • Actual Parameter:  Name of the key (as specified in the API documentation of the desired service) against which the parameter needs to be sent 
      • Parameter Display Name:  Display name for the parameter. This name will be prompted when you authenticate a connection.
      • Param Type:   This decides how the authentication parameters will be sent along with the URLs specified in the invoke URL scripts. Supported param types: Query string, Form Data, and Header
      Note:
      • You can add as many parameters as required.
      • Parameter could be any type of key that is required for authentication. Example: api-key, user-key, authtoken, apitoken, etc.
      Basic This auth type requires you to specify the username and password in the next step. The provided username and password will be automatically encrypted with base64 algorithm and passed as header in the format:  basic <encrypted_username>:<encrypted_password>. N/A
      OAuth 1 This auth type requires you to specify the required parameters to perform an OAuth 1 authentication.

      On choosing OAuth 1 as authentication Type, you need to provide values to the following fields:

      • Consumer Key:  Consumer key that is issued by the service provider
      • Consumer Secret:  Your consumer secret to authorize your application
      • Request Token URL:  URL to fetch the request token as specified in the API documentation of the desired service
      • Authorize URL:  Authorize URL as specified in the API documentation of the desired service
      • Access Token URL:  URL to fetch the access token as specified in the API documentation of the desired service
      • Param Type:  This decides how the authentication parameters will be sent along with the URLs specified in the invoke URL scripts. Supported param types: Query string, Form Data, and Header
      OAuth 2 This auth type requires you to specify the required parameters to perform an OAuth 2 authentication.

      On choosing OAuth 2 as authentication Type, you need to provide values to the following fields:

      • Grant type:  Grant type that the desired service uses to perform authorization. You can choose from the supported grant types: Authorization code and client credentials
      • Client Id:  Client ID that is issued by the service provider
      • Client Secret:  Your client secret to authorize your application
      • Authorize URL:  Authorize URL as specified in the API documentation of the desired service
      • Access Token URL:  URL to fetch the access token as specified in the API documentation of the desired service
      • Refresh Token URL:  URL to fetch the request token as specified in the API documentation of the desired service
      • Param Type:  This decides how the authentication parameters will be sent along with the URLs specified in the invoke URL scripts. Supported param types: Query string, and Header.
    • Scope  (applicable only to OAuth 2 auth type): Scopes required to perform integration as specified in the desired service's API documentation.
    • Scope Delimiter  (applicable only to OAuth 2 auth type): Delimiter with which the desired service API expects the scopes to be separated.

      Notes
      Note:
      • You can select from the supported delimiters: comma, space, and plus. If not specified, comma is assumed as default delimiter.
      • You can choose delimiters only if you provide more than one scope.
5. Click  Create Service  after providing the necessary details.

Creating a Connection

  • After creating a service, go to the  My Connections tab and click  Create Connection .
  • Pick the desired service.
  • Then provide the connection and other required details:
    • Connection Name:  Display name of your connection
    • Connection Link Name: Link names must be unique and can be used in Deluge integration tasks and invoke URL scripts to establish authentication.

      Notes
      The link name that you provide must satisfy the following conditions:
      • It must begin with a lower case letter.
      • It can contain lower case letters, numbers, and underscores (_).
      • It can contain upto 50 characters.
  • Click Create and Connect .

    Click Create And Connect  
  • User Permissions dialog will pop up, provide your authentication credentials and proceed. 
  • A summary of the connection will be displayed.

    Connection summary
  • Upon successful authorization, the connection will be created and listed in your connections page.
  • Hover over the connection to  edit revoke or  delete it.

    Edit, revoke, delete connection
  • Once your connection for a custom service is successfully created, you can use can use it while  configuring a webhook  to  process the data collected through Zoho Forms in your web application.

Editing a custom service

To edit a custom service,

  1. Navigate to  Custom Services tab.
  2. Click the edit button corresponding to the custom service.
  3. Make the required changes and click the Update button.
Edit a custom service
Note:
  • You can only edit the custom services that you have configured.
  • If a custom service is edited, all the existing connections created using the service will be revoked.
The following table lists the editable and non-editable custom service fields:
Authentication type Editable fields Non-editable fields
Basic
  • Service name
  • Authentication type
  • Service link name
API Key
  • Service name
  • Param type
  • New parameters can be added
  • Existing parameters can be edited and deleted
  • Authentication type
  • Service link name
OAuth 1
  • Service name
  • Param type
  • Consumer ID
  • Consumer secret
  • Authorize URL
  • Access token URL
  • Refresh token URL
  • Authentication type
  • Service link name
OAuth 2
  • Service name
  • Param type
  • Client ID
  • Client secret
  • Authorize URL
  • Access token URL
  • Refresh token URL
  • Scopes can be added but cannot be edited or deleted
  • Authentication type
  • Grant type
  • Service link name

      Create. Review. Publish.

      Write, edit, collaborate on, and publish documents to different content management platforms.

      Get Started Now


        Access your files securely from anywhere

          Zoho CRM Training Programs

          Learn how to use the best tools for sales force automation and better customer engagement from Zoho's implementation specialists.

          Zoho CRM Training
            Redefine the way you work
            with Zoho Workplace

              Zoho DataPrep Personalized Demo

              If you'd like a personalized walk-through of our data preparation tool, please request a demo and we'll be happy to show you how to get the best out of Zoho DataPrep.

              Zoho CRM Training

                Create, share, and deliver

                beautiful slides from anywhere.

                Get Started Now


                  Zoho Sign now offers specialized one-on-one training for both administrators and developers.

                  BOOK A SESSION







                              Quick LinksWorkflow AutomationData Collection
                              Web FormsEnterpriseOnline Data Collection Tool
                              Embeddable FormsBankingBegin Data Collection
                              Interactive FormsWorkplaceData Collection App
                              CRM FormsCustomer ServiceAccessible Forms
                              Digital FormsMarketingForms for Small Business
                              HTML FormsEducationForms for Enterprise
                              Contact FormsE-commerceForms for any business
                              Lead Generation FormsHealthcareForms for Startups
                              Wordpress FormsCustomer onboardingForms for Small Business
                              No Code FormsConstructionRSVP tool for holidays
                              Free FormsTravelFeatures for Order Forms
                              Prefill FormsNon-Profit
                              Intake FormsLegalMobile App
                              Form DesignerHRMobile Forms
                              Card FormsFoodOffline Forms
                              Assign FormsPhotographyMobile Forms Features
                              Translate FormsReal EstateKiosk in Mobile Forms
                              Electronic Forms
                              Drag & drop form builder

                              Notification Emails for FormsAlternativesSecurity & Compliance
                              Holiday FormsGoogle Forms alternative GDPR
                              Form to PDFJotform alternativeHIPAA Forms
                              Email FormsEncrypted Forms

                              Secure Forms

                              WCAG

                                      Create. Review. Publish.

                                      Write, edit, collaborate on, and publish documents to different content management platforms.

                                      Get Started Now






                                                        You are currently viewing the help pages of Qntrl’s earlier version. Click here to view our latest version—Qntrl 3.0's help articles.




                                                            Manage your brands on social media

                                                              Use cases

                                                              Make the most of Zoho Desk with the use cases.

                                                               
                                                                

                                                              eBooks

                                                              Download free eBooks and access a range of topics to get deeper insight on successfully using Zoho Desk.

                                                               
                                                                

                                                              Videos

                                                              Watch comprehensive videos on features and other important topics that will help you master Zoho Desk.

                                                               
                                                                

                                                              Webinar

                                                              Sign up for our webinars and learn the Zoho Desk basics, from customization to automation and more

                                                               
                                                                
                                                              • Desk Community Learning Series


                                                              • Meetups


                                                              • Ask the Experts


                                                              • Kbase


                                                              • Resources


                                                              • Glossary


                                                              • Desk Marketplace


                                                              • MVP Corner

                                                                Zoho Sheet Resources

                                                                 

                                                                    Zoho Forms Resources


                                                                      Secure your business
                                                                      communication with Zoho Mail


                                                                      Mail on the move with
                                                                      Zoho Mail mobile application

                                                                        Stay on top of your schedule
                                                                        at all times


                                                                        Carry your calendar with you
                                                                        Anytime, anywhere




                                                                              Zoho Sign Resources

                                                                                Sign, Paperless!

                                                                                Sign and send business documents on the go!

                                                                                Get Started Now




                                                                                        Zoho TeamInbox Resources





                                                                                                  Zoho DataPrep Demo

                                                                                                  Get a personalized demo or POC

                                                                                                  REGISTER NOW


                                                                                                    Design. Discuss. Deliver.

                                                                                                    Create visually engaging stories with Zoho Show.

                                                                                                    Get Started Now









                                                                                                                        • Related Articles

                                                                                                                        • Google Maps Connections

                                                                                                                          Table of Contents Steps to Create a Google Maps connection Setting up a Google API Key Creating an API Key Additional Info: API Key Restrictions To use Google Maps for address auto-fill, a Google Maps connection must be created using a Google API ...
                                                                                                                        • Audit - Organization Level

                                                                                                                          Audit - Organization Level displays the activities performed by the users within your Zoho Forms organization in a chronological sequence. The Super Admin and the Admin can view all the audit data. The Audit Log records the following activities: ...
                                                                                                                        • Configuring a Webhook

                                                                                                                          In simple terms, a webhook is a way for one system or application to send real-time data to another system or application as soon as an event occurs. A webhook is basically a notification that is sent to a destination (URL) when an event occurs. With ...
                                                                                                                        • What is a form builder?

                                                                                                                          A form builder is a software tool or platform that allows users to create, customize, and manage online forms without the need for advanced programming skills. It provides a user-friendly interface where individuals or businesses can design forms to ...
                                                                                                                        • Dynamic Prefill - Webhook

                                                                                                                          Table of contents Overview How does dynamic prefilling work? Configuring Dynamic Prefill - Webhook Webhook Settings Search Configuration Webhook Details Webhook Testing Prefill Mapping Response Formats for the Field Types Pricing Overview Dynamic ...
                                                                                                                          Wherever you are is as good as
                                                                                                                          your workplace

                                                                                                                            Resources

                                                                                                                            Videos

                                                                                                                            Watch comprehensive videos on features and other important topics that will help you master Zoho CRM.



                                                                                                                            eBooks

                                                                                                                            Download free eBooks and access a range of topics to get deeper insight on successfully using Zoho CRM.



                                                                                                                            Webinars

                                                                                                                            Sign up for our webinars and learn the Zoho CRM basics, from customization to sales force automation and more.



                                                                                                                            CRM Tips

                                                                                                                            Make the most of Zoho CRM with these useful tips.



                                                                                                                              Zoho Show Resources