Imagine giving your sales or support team a button inside Zoho CRM that, when clicked, launches a sophisticated multi‑step automation sending emails, creating tasks, updating records in other apps. Zoho Flow + CRM custom buttons make this possible. This guide shows you how to connect a custom button in Zoho CRM to a Zoho Flow workflow using Deluge, so you can automate anything with a single click.
Why Use a CRM Button to Trigger Zoho Flow?
One‑Click Automation
Empower users to execute complex, multi‑app automations with a single click from within the CRM record.
No Code Required for End‑Users
Your team doesn't need to understand the underlying workflow just click the button and let the automation run.
Trigger Conditionally
Buttons can appear based on record status, role, or any criteria, ensuring automations fire only when appropriate.
Step‑by‑Step: Connect a CRM Button to Zoho Flow
Create Your Flow in Zoho Flow
Build the workflow you want to trigger. Use a Webhook trigger so the flow can be called externally. Copy the webhook URL after saving.
Add a Custom Button in Zoho CRM
Go to Setup → Customization → Modules → select the module (e.g., Deals) → Buttons → Create New. Choose “Custom Function” as the action.
Write the Deluge Function
Create a custom function that calls the webhook URL of your Zoho Flow, passing the record ID or other data. Use the invokeurl task.
Associate the Function with the Button
In the button configuration, select your custom function. Set visibility rules if needed (e.g., only for certain stages).
Test the Button
Open a CRM record, click your new button, and verify that the flow executes successfully.
Deluge Code Example
// This custom function is triggered when a user clicks the button on a Deal record
// It calls a Zoho Flow webhook and passes the record ID and some fields
recordId = input.ID; // ID of the current record
dealName = input.Deal_Name; // Deal name
amount = input.Amount; // Deal amount
// The webhook URL from your Zoho Flow (replace with your actual URL)
webhookUrl = "https://flow.zoho.com/api/v1/webhook/xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx";
// Build the payload to send to the flow
payload = Map();
payload.put("record_id", recordId);
payload.put("deal_name", dealName);
payload.put("amount", amount);
// Send the request to the flow
response = invokeurl
[
url : webhookUrl
type : POST
parameters : payload
connection : "zoho_flow_connection" // optional, if you have a connection defined
];
// Optionally, update the record to show that the action was triggered
update = zoho.crm.updateRecord("Deals", recordId, {"Custom_Action_Status": "Triggered"});
return "Flow triggered successfully";
This script sends the record ID and key fields to the webhook. In Zoho Flow, you can then use that data to perform any action create tasks, send emails, update external systems, etc.
Example Use Cases
Generate Proposal in Google Docs
Click a button → Flow copies a template, populates it with deal data, and returns a link to the CRM.
Create Jira Ticket
Support team clicks a button to create a Jira ticket from a Zoho Desk ticket, linking the issue.
Send Approval Request
When a deal reaches a certain stage, a manager clicks a button to send an approval request via Slack.
Why Work with Technofog?
Expertise in Deluge & Zoho Flow
Our certified Zoho consultants specialize in Deluge scripting and Flow automation. We design robust, error‑handled solutions that scale with your business.
Custom Button & Flow Design
We'll map your business process to the right button placement and flow logic, ensuring your team gets the exact automation they need.
Ongoing Support & Maintenance
We don't just build it and leave. We provide training, documentation, and support to keep your automations running smoothly.
"Technofog built a custom button for our sales team that triggers a Zoho Flow to create contracts in Google Docs and send them for e‑signature. What used to take 30 minutes now happens in seconds. Our team loves it."
Sarah Chen, Sales Operations Manager
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pass multiple fields to the flow?
Yes. Your Deluge script can collect any number of fields and send them as JSON payload. The flow can then use these fields in its actions.
Do I need a separate Zoho Flow connection?
If you're calling a public webhook URL, you can use it directly. For additional security, you can set up a connection in Deluge to handle authentication.
Can the button appear only for certain users?
Yes. Button visibility can be controlled by profile, role, or custom conditions. You can also show/hide based on record fields.
What if the flow fails?
We can add error handling in your Deluge function to log failures, send alerts, or retry. Good error handling ensures reliability.
Ready to Add One‑Click Automations to Your CRM?
Get a free 30‑minute consultation with a Zoho automation expert. We'll show you how to connect custom buttons to Zoho Flow and build powerful workflows tailored to your business.
