Study Flow Diagram Builder for CONSORT and STROBE

Create a study flow diagram for randomized and observational research

A clear study flow diagram helps readers understand how participants, records or observations moved through a research study. This free browser-based builder is designed for researchers preparing randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies and cross-sectional studies. You can enter participant counts, document exclusions and losses, check whether totals reconcile, and preview the diagram before deciding whether to unlock publication-ready exports.

For randomized trials, the builder follows a CONSORT-style structure covering enrolment, intervention allocation, follow-up and analysis. For observational research, the templates support STROBE-style reporting of participant numbers at relevant stages, reasons for non-participation, inclusion, follow-up and analysis. The labels remain editable so the diagram can reflect the actual design rather than forcing every study into a rigid template.

Build and validate your study flow diagram before export

Participant-flow figures often contain simple arithmetic errors that become obvious only during manuscript review. The builder performs live reconciliation checks while you work. It can compare the number assessed with exclusions and randomization, check allocation totals across trial arms, and flag observational-study totals that do not reconcile. These checks are intended to support transparent reporting, not to certify overall CONSORT or STROBE compliance.

Your study data stay in your browser. The participant counts, arm names and exclusion reasons used to build the figure are processed locally and are not uploaded by the diagram tool. You can also save a project as a JSON file and reopen it later or move it to another computer.

CONSORT and STROBE guidance

If you are preparing a randomized controlled trial, read our guide to creating a CONSORT 2025 flow diagram for an RCT. For cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies, see our guide to creating a STROBE participant flow diagram for an observational study.

Authors should also consult the complete reporting guidance. See the CONSORT statement for randomized trials and the STROBE checklists for observational studies.

Publication-ready study flow diagram exports

You can build, edit and validate the diagram for free. A €5.99 project licence unlocks editable SVG, high-resolution PNG, PDF and Copy SVG for 60 days, with unlimited exports during that period. SVG is the best choice when you want to continue editing the figure in PowerPoint, Illustrator, Affinity Designer, Inkscape or another vector-graphics application.

Frequently asked questions

What is a study flow diagram?

A study flow diagram is a visual summary showing how participants or records progress through key stages of a study, including eligibility, exclusion, allocation or grouping, follow-up and analysis.

Can I use this for a CONSORT flow diagram?

Yes. The randomized controlled trial template is designed around the major participant-flow stages used in CONSORT reporting. Authors should still review the full CONSORT 2025 guidance and any relevant CONSORT extension.

Can I use this for STROBE reporting?

Yes. The observational templates support participant-flow reporting for cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies. STROBE does not prescribe one universal flow-diagram layout, so the labels remain flexible.

Is my study data uploaded?

No. Diagram content is processed locally in your browser. If you want to continue on another computer, save the free project JSON file and open it on the other device.

Do I need an account?

No. The export licence uses guest checkout. No Blazon Scientific customer account is required.