PRISMA Flow Diagram Generator
FigranEnter your review counts and download a PRISMA 2020 flow diagram that adds up.
- 4 PRISMA 2020 templates
- Arithmetic checks
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PRISMA 2020 flow diagram templates
Use these four blank PRISMA 2020 templates as a PRISMA diagram or flow chart template. Pick one, and the PRISMA flow diagram maker above fills it in as you enter your counts.
New systematic review: databases and registers
For a first review that searched bibliographic databases and study registers.
PRISMA 2020 flow diagram example
A fictional review of school physical activity and academic achievement, using databases, registers, and other methods.
- 2,359 records identified2,316 from databases + 43 from registers
- 959 removed before screening744 duplicates + 210 by automation + 5 for other reasons
- 1,400 records screened2,359 − 959, by title and abstract
- 138 reports sought from databases and registers1,400 screened − 1,262 excluded
- 129 reports assessed, plus 20 from other methods138 − 9 not retrieved; other methods: 23 − 3 not retrieved
- 35 reports, 31 studies included(129 − 99 excluded) + (20 − 15 excluded) = 35 reports
Other methods identified 66 records: 18 from websites, 7 from organizations, and 41 from citation searching. Of these, 23 reports were sought.
How to create a PRISMA flow diagram
Choose a template, enter your counts, and download the result.
1Choose the template
Pick a new or updated review. Add the other-methods column if you also searched websites, organisations, or reference lists.
2Enter your counts
Type the numbers from your screening records. Calculated boxes fill in, and a count that does not add up shows the expected value.
3Download or keep editing
Download a 300 DPI PNG or an SVG for your manuscript, or open the diagram in the canvas to change wording, colors, and layout.
Where the PRISMA flow diagram goes in a systematic review
Most reviews report study selection at the start of the Results section and show the flow diagram as Figure 1.
3.1 Study selection
The searches identified 1,952 records: 1,867 from databases and 85 from trial registers. After removing 630 records, we screened 1,322 titles and abstracts and excluded 1,187.
Of 135 reports sought, 6 could not be retrieved. We assessed 129 full-text reports and excluded 102. Twenty-four studies, reported in 27 reports, met the inclusion criteria (Figure 1).
- Report it under study selection (PRISMA item 16a)
- List excluded studies with reasons (item 16b)
- Use the same counts in your abstract and text
- Cite PRISMA 2020 in the figure legend
PRISMA-ScR flow diagram for scoping reviews
PRISMA-ScR item 14 asks for the numbers of sources of evidence screened, assessed for eligibility, and included, with reasons for exclusions at each stage, ideally in a flow diagram. The new review template covers these stages. If your protocol says “sources of evidence,” you can change the box wording in the canvas.
PRISMA flow diagram FAQ
Common questions about templates, counts, and downloads.
What is a PRISMA flow diagram?
A PRISMA flow diagram shows how records moved through a systematic review: how many were identified, removed before screening, screened, assessed in full text, and finally included. It is also called a PRISMA diagram, PRISMA flow chart, or PRISMA chart. The current version comes from the PRISMA 2020 statement (Page et al., 2021).
Which PRISMA flow diagram template should I use?
Use a new review template for a first review and an updated review template when you are updating an earlier version. Choose the version with other methods if you also found records through websites, organisations, citation searching, or contact with experts. All four follow PRISMA 2020, which replaced the PRISMA 2009 flow diagram.
Can I use a PRISMA flow diagram for a scoping review or other literature review?
Yes. Use the new review template for a PRISMA-ScR flow diagram, then edit the box wording in the canvas to match your protocol.
What is the difference between records, reports, and studies?
A record is a title and abstract found in a database or register. A report is a document you retrieve, such as a journal article, preprint, conference abstract, or register entry. One study can have several reports, so the number of included studies can be lower than the number of included reports.
What if my numbers do not add up?
The generator shows the expected value and how it was calculated, but it never blocks your download. Some differences are legitimate, for example when one report is counted under two exclusion reasons or when the same report is found by both search routes. Explain these cases in your methods or the figure legend.
Is the PRISMA flow diagram generator free?
Yes. Building the diagram and downloading SVG or PNG files is free and does not need an account. Editing the diagram in the canvas needs a free Figran account. Your diagram is kept in this browser while you sign in.
Can I edit the PRISMA flow diagram in Word or PowerPoint?
Yes. Insert the SVG into Word or PowerPoint, where Microsoft 365 can convert it to editable shapes. The SVG keeps text as text, so it also opens in Illustrator, Inkscape, or Affinity Designer. To change wording, colors, or box positions in Figran, choose Edit in canvas.
Is this an official PRISMA tool?
No. The diagram follows the wording and structure of the flow diagram in the PRISMA 2020 statement. The flow diagram templates are published under a CC BY 4.0 license, but Figran is not affiliated with the PRISMA group. Check your target journal’s instructions as well.
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