PRISMA 2020 flow diagram generator
Get the free Systematic Review toolkit
Screening logs, PRISMA templates, and search-strategy checklists from the Dissertation Literature Review Sprint. 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.