PRISMA 2020 flow diagram generator
A PRISMA 2020 flow diagram shows how many records you found, removed, screened and included in a systematic review. This free generator calculates the totals for you, flags numbers that do not add up, and exports a diagram ready for your manuscript.
Open the PRISMA diagram generatorHow to use it
- Identification: add one row per database with the count from your search log, and the number of records from trial registers.
- Removed before screening: enter duplicates, records marked ineligible by automation tools, and records removed for other reasons.
- Screening: enter exclusions at title and abstract, and reports you could not retrieve.
- Full-text exclusions: add one line per reason with its count, for example wrong study design or wrong population.
- Included: enter the number of unique studies, and optionally how many entered the meta-analysis.
- Other methods: tick the option if you also searched websites, organisations or citations, and complete that column.
- Download as SVG (editable, for the manuscript) or PNG (slides and posters), in journal or colour style.
What the generator checks
- Each grey box is calculated from the boxes above it, so totals cannot be mistyped.
- It flags impossible flows, such as removing more records than were identified, and negative or non-whole counts.
- It asks for the number of unique studies separately from reports, because one study can have several reports.
- Downloads stay blocked until the diagram has counts and every flagged problem is resolved.
Privacy
Your numbers are saved only in your own browser. Nothing in the diagram is uploaded. Use Save project backup in the tools workspace to keep a copy.
Sources
Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ 2021;372:n71. Official PRISMA 2020 flow diagram templates.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an official PRISMA tool?
No. It is an independent helper that follows the PRISMA 2020 flow diagram layout. Compare your final diagram with the official template and your journal’s requirements.
Can I use the diagram in my manuscript?
Yes. The SVG download can be edited in vector software, and the PNG suits slides and posters. Check the wording and layout against your target journal’s instructions.
Does it support updated systematic reviews?
No. It covers new reviews only. Updated reviews need the separate PRISMA 2020 updated-review templates.
What is the difference between studies and reports?
A study is one investigation; a report is a document about it, such as a journal article or conference abstract. One study can have several reports, so PRISMA 2020 asks for both counts.
Where are my numbers stored?
Only in your browser’s local storage on your device. Clearing browser data deletes them, so save a backup file.
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Free browser tool · No sign-up · Last reviewed: October 2026. Independent educational tool; not endorsed by PRISMA, Cochrane or the US National Library of Medicine.