PRISMA 2020 flow diagram generator
Get the free Systematic Review Protocol Starter
A fill-in protocol template — review question (PICO, PEO, SPIDER, or PCC), search strategy, eligibility criteria, screening, data extraction, risk of bias, synthesis plan, and PRISMA flow counts — with two worked examples, from the Mastering Research series. We’ll email you the download link.
How the PRISMA flow works
The PRISMA 2020 flow diagram is a transparency standard for systematic reviews — it lets a reader trace every study from the initial search to the final included set. The counts cascade:
- Identification: records found in databases and registers, minus duplicates and anything removed before screening.
- Screening: records screened at title/abstract, with the number excluded.
- Retrieval & eligibility: reports sought, those not retrieved, then full texts assessed and excluded with reasons.
- Included: the studies (and their reports) that made it into the review.
This generator covers the PRISMA 2020 flow for new database/register searches. If you also found studies via citation searching or other methods, the full template adds a parallel column — note those records separately. Always pair the diagram with the PRISMA 2020 checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What is a PRISMA flow diagram?
A standard diagram showing how studies moved through a systematic review — identified, screened, excluded, assessed, and included — with full-text exclusion reasons.
How are the totals calculated?
Screened = identified − removed before screening; sought = screened − excluded; assessed = sought − not retrieved; the generator computes these and flags inconsistencies.
Can I save it?
Yes — Print / Save as PDF shows only the diagram, so you can save a PDF for your appendix, or screenshot it.
Does it follow PRISMA 2020?
Yes, for new database/register searches. Add a note for studies found by other methods (citation searching, websites).
Does it store anything?
No. The diagram is built entirely in your browser; nothing is uploaded or saved.
The Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol Workbook
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are the highest level of evidence in academic research. But while Cochrane provides the methodology, they don't provide the blank templates you need to actually document every step for publication.
60 fill-in templates. Paperback $31.99 on Amazon
See inside the workbookJust want the templates? The Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis Protocol Kit: every template as a fillable PDF, $19.