PRISMA flow diagram generator options
Updated 2026-09-24
There are several ways to produce a PRISMA flow diagram. This guide explains what each option is best for, so you can pick the one that fits your review.
Online generator (this site)
The PRISMA flow diagram generator on this site runs in your browser with no sign-up and no install. You type numbers into a form, the diagram updates live, and you export PNG, SVG or PDF. It is best when you already have your counts and want a clean figure quickly.
PRISMA2020 R package and Shiny app
The PRISMA2020 R package and Shiny web app (Haddaway et al., Campbell Systematic Reviews 2022) produce PRISMA 2020 flow diagrams from a data file and support interactive, clickable diagrams. It is a good fit if you work in R or want to reproduce the diagram from a spreadsheet. It requires R or a hosted app, whereas this site is a single web page.
Screening tools such as Rayyan and Covidence
Tools like Rayyan and Covidence help you screen records, and they can report how many records were included or excluded. Some also offer their own flow diagram export, so check what your tool provides. Because this generator is independent, you can copy the counts from any of them into the form. It does not connect to those services and is not affiliated with them.
Word or PowerPoint templates
Editable templates let you type into boxes. They work, but layout and arrows are manual. See the Word guide.
What about AI tools?
This generator does not use AI: the diagram is drawn only from the numbers you enter. Be careful with general AI tools for this job. A flow diagram reports real counts from your own search records, and an AI cannot know those numbers. Any figure it produces must be checked against your screening log.
Which should you use?
If you have counts and want a fast, private, no-install option, use the online generator. If your workflow is in R, use the Shiny app. If your screening tool already produces the diagram you need, use that. Whichever you choose, follow the official PRISMA 2020 layout and cite the source.
Quick answers
Is there an AI PRISMA flow diagram generator?
This one is not AI-based. It draws the official PRISMA 2020 layout from the numbers you type, so nothing is invented.
Source of the flow diagram wording: Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ 2021;372:n71. doi:10.1136/bmj.n71. Licensed CC BY 4.0. This site is independent and not affiliated with the PRISMA or EQUATOR Network groups.