Choose a PRISMA 2020 flow diagram template
PRISMA 2020 is the current reporting guideline. “2020” refers to the guideline version, not the age of these templates.
Start with two decisions: is this a new review or an update, and did you search sources beyond databases and registers?
Choose by review history and search sources
The official PRISMA 2020 flow-diagram page provides four structures. An update needs to distinguish evidence carried forward from the previous version. A search using websites, organisations or citation searching needs an additional source branch.
| Your review | Databases and registers only | Also uses other sources |
|---|---|---|
| New systematic review | New review, one search branch | New review, two search branches |
| Updated systematic review | Update plus one search branch | Update plus two search branches |
Searching several databases still fits the databases-and-registers template. “Other sources” describes a different route to evidence, not simply an additional database.
1. New review · databases
A new systematic review using databases and registers.
Start with the current search and follow its records through screening, retrieval and eligibility. Count the included reports separately from the underlying studies.
2. New review · all sources
Databases and registers, plus websites, organisations or citation searching.
Start with the current search and follow its records through screening, retrieval and eligibility. Count the included reports separately from the underlying studies.
The other-source branch can start with reports sought directly. Keep its retrieval and exclusion counts separate until the included evidence is combined, with any remaining overlap explained.
3. Updated review · databases
An update with a separate previous-review arm.
Keep the previous review counts separate. Show what remains eligible and what this update adds; a new report about an existing study does not automatically mean a new study.
4. Updated review · all sources
Previous studies, a new database search and other sources.
Keep the previous review counts separate. Show what remains eligible and what this update adds; a new report about an existing study does not automatically mean a new study.
The other-source branch can start with reports sought directly. Keep its retrieval and exclusion counts separate until the included evidence is combined, with any remaining overlap explained.
For a scoping review
The PRISMA-ScR editor is a separately labeled adaptation for reporting the selection of sources of evidence. It is not one of the four official PRISMA 2020 Word templates. Read ScR checklist item 14 when preparing the selection results.
Sources and attribution
Journal Metrics provides an independent implementation of the PRISMA flow diagram. The original PRISMA 2020 templates are available under CC BY 4.0. Our editor adapts their layout and adds count checks; it is not endorsed by the PRISMA group.
- Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ. 2021;372:n71.
- Page MJ, Moher D, Bossuyt PM, et al. PRISMA 2020 explanation and elaboration. BMJ. 2021;372:n160.
- Official PRISMA 2020 checklist and expanded checklist — use these to review the full manuscript.
- Tricco AC, Lillie E, Zarin W, et al. PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR): checklist and explanation. Ann Intern Med. 2018;169:467–473. See the official ScR checklist.
Content updated October 13, 2026. Count examples are illustrative.