PRISMA Flow Diagram Template
Build a PRISMA 2020 flow diagram for your systematic review: clear stages from identification to inclusion, with counts that add up—so readers can follow your screening.
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How to Use the PRISMA Flow Diagram Template | A Step-by-Step Guide
Authored by Sumalatha Gangadhar | Published on 25 July, 2026
PRISMA is a reporting guideline for systematic reviews—not a journal and not a place that accepts manuscripts. Use this template to build a clear PRISMA flow diagram that shows how records moved from identification to inclusion. Place the finished diagram in your review article or supplement according to your target journal's rules.
What is the PRISMA Flow Diagram Template?
It is a diagram shell aligned to the PRISMA 2020 flow diagram. It covers the identification, screening, eligibility, and included stages, with space for database counts, duplicates removed, reports sought/assessed, and reasons for exclusion. Confirm details in the PRISMA 2020 statement before you finalize numbers.
What's actually in a PRISMA flow diagram:
Show how many records were identified (per database/register and other sources), how many remained after duplicates, how many titles/abstracts and full texts were screened, how many were excluded at each stage (with reasons at full text), and how many studies/reports were included in the review and in any synthesis.
What separates a clean diagram from one that confuses readers:
Mismatched arithmetic (boxes that do not add up), missing exclusion reasons at full text, mixing “studies” and “reports,” and using an outdated PRISMA 2009 layout. Reconcile every number against your screening log and use PRISMA 2020 labels.
What does this PRISMA Flow Diagram Template include?
Boxes and labels for the PRISMA 2020 flow, so you can fill counts from your screening tool (Covidence, Rayyan, spreadsheets, etc.). Pair it with the PRISMA checklist when you submit the review to a journal.
Steps to Use This Template with SciSpace Agent
- Click Start Writing on this page. The SciSpace Agent prompt screen opens with the template loaded.
- Use the loaded PRISMA diagram, or upload your review team's current flow-diagram file.
- Edit the prompt with your review topic and the counts from each screening stage.
- Run the prompt. The agent fills the PRISMA 2020 stages.
- Use View Outputs to verify that every box adds up.
- Export the diagram and insert it into your systematic-review manuscript or supplement.
PRISMA Flow Diagram Template Structure at a Glance
| Element | PRISMA 2020 expectation |
|---|---|
| Identification | Records from databases/registers + other sources |
| Deduplication | Records after duplicates removed |
| Screening | Titles/abstracts screened; reports sought |
| Eligibility | Full texts assessed; exclusions with reasons |
| Included | Studies/reports in review and in synthesis |
| Source of truth | prisma-statement.org (PRISMA 2020) |
Quick Tips for Using the PRISMA Flow Diagram Template
Export counts directly from your screening tool. Write exclusion reasons at the full-text stage (not only “not relevant”). Keep “studies” vs “reports” language consistent with PRISMA 2020.
Best Practices
Update the diagram whenever screening numbers change. Have a second reviewer spot-check the arithmetic. Cite PRISMA 2020 in the methods section of the review.
Before You Submit: Final Check
Confirm every stage totals correctly, exclusion reasons are listed, and the figure matches the numbers reported in the text and checklist.
