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Free PRISMA 2020 Flow Diagram Generator

Create publication-ready PRISMA 2020 flow diagrams for your systematic review in minutes. Live preview, 4 official templates, and free PNG download.

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What Is a PRISMA 2020 Flow Diagram?

A PRISMA 2020 flow diagram is a standardized visual representation that documents the study selection process in a systematic review. Published by Page et al. in 2021, the PRISMA 2020 statement replaced the original 2009 PRISMA guidelines with updated reporting standards designed to improve the transparency and reproducibility of systematic reviews.

The PRISMA flow diagram traces records through four key phases: Identification (records found through database searching and other sources), Screening (title and abstract review), Eligibility (full-text assessment), and Inclusion (final studies included in the review). Each phase documents the number of records processed and the reasons for exclusion, providing a complete audit trail of the review process.

Our free PRISMA 2020 flow diagram generator supports all four official template types, including templates for new and updated systematic reviews with or without other sources beyond databases and registers. Learn more about the key differences between PRISMA 2020 and the original PRISMA statement.

How to Create a PRISMA Flow Diagram Using This Free Tool

Creating a publication-ready PRISMA 2020 flow diagram takes just a few steps with our free online generator:

  1. Select your template type — Choose from the 4 official PRISMA 2020 templates based on whether your review is new or updated, and whether you searched databases only or also used other sources.
  2. Enter your data — Fill in the numbers for each phase of your systematic review, from records identified through database searching to final included studies. Add exclusion reasons for the eligibility phase.
  3. Preview in real time — Watch your PRISMA flow diagram build as you type. The live preview updates instantly with every change.
  4. Download your diagram — Export as a high-resolution PNG image ready for your manuscript, thesis, or journal submission.

Need to see an example first? Click the “AI Load Example” button to populate the form with realistic data from a published systematic review. Read our detailed guide on how to create a PRISMA flow diagram step by step.

Why Researchers Choose Our PRISMA Diagram Generator

Built for academics and researchers who need professional, PRISMA 2020 compliant flow diagrams without the complexity.

Real-Time Live Preview

See your PRISMA flow diagram update instantly as you enter data. No page reloads or waiting.

4 Official Templates

All 4 PRISMA 2020 flow diagram templates: new or updated reviews, with or without other sources.

AI-Powered Examples

Load realistic example data from published systematic reviews to see how the diagram works.

Free PNG Download

Export your completed PRISMA diagram as a high-resolution PNG suitable for journal publication.

Instant Live Preview

See your PRISMA flow diagram update in real time as you enter your data. No waiting, no refreshing.

PRISMA 2020 Compliant

Diagrams follow the official PRISMA 2020 statement structure published by Page et al. (2021).

The 4 PRISMA 2020 Flow Diagram Templates

The PRISMA 2020 statement provides four distinct flow diagram templates to accommodate different types of systematic reviews. Selecting the correct template ensures your PRISMA flow diagram accurately represents your review methodology:

  • New review, databases only — For original systematic reviews that searched databases and registers exclusively.
  • New review, databases + other sources — For original reviews that also used citation searching, websites, organisations, or other methods beyond database searching.
  • Updated review, databases only — For updates to previously published systematic reviews using databases and registers only.
  • Updated review, databases + other sources — For review updates that also included other sources beyond databases.

Not sure which template to use? Read our comprehensive guide on understanding the 4 PRISMA 2020 flow diagram templates or check the complete PRISMA 2020 checklist with all 27 reporting items.

Frequently Asked Questions About PRISMA Flow Diagrams

What is a PRISMA 2020 flow diagram?

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A PRISMA 2020 flow diagram is a standardized visual representation of the study selection process in a systematic review. It documents the number of records identified, screened, assessed for eligibility, and included in the final review, following the PRISMA 2020 reporting guidelines published by Page et al. (2021).

Is this PRISMA flow diagram generator completely free?

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Yes, our PRISMA 2020 flow diagram generator is 100% free to use. You can create, preview, and customize your PRISMA flow diagram without any signup or payment. A free watermarked PNG download is available instantly. Sign up with your email to download without the watermark.

What are the 4 PRISMA 2020 flow diagram templates?

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The PRISMA 2020 statement provides 4 official flow diagram templates: (1) New systematic reviews using databases/registers only, (2) New systematic reviews using databases plus other sources, (3) Updated systematic reviews using databases/registers only, and (4) Updated systematic reviews using databases plus other sources.

How do I fill in the numbers for my PRISMA flow diagram?

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Enter your study selection data phase by phase: start with records identified from databases and registers, then records removed before screening (duplicates, automation), records screened and excluded, reports sought and not retrieved, reports assessed for eligibility with exclusion reasons, and finally studies included in your review.

Can I download my PRISMA diagram as a PNG image?

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Yes. Click the "Download PNG" button to export your PRISMA 2020 flow diagram as a high-resolution PNG image suitable for publication in academic journals. The exported diagram is rendered at 2x pixel ratio for crisp, professional output.

What is the difference between PRISMA 2020 and the original PRISMA?

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PRISMA 2020 updated the original 2009 PRISMA statement with a revised 27-item checklist, new flow diagram templates that distinguish between databases/registers and other sources, and improved guidance for reporting systematic review methods and results. PRISMA 2020 also introduced separate templates for new and updated reviews.

Does this tool support updated systematic review diagrams?

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Yes. Our PRISMA flow diagram generator supports all 4 official PRISMA 2020 templates, including both "updated review" variants. Updated review templates include additional fields for studies and reports from the previous version of the review.

What is the AI Load Example feature?

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The AI Load Example button populates all form fields with realistic sample data from published systematic review scenarios. This helps you understand the expected data format and see how a completed PRISMA flow diagram looks before entering your own data.

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