Visualization Tools
The Visualization Tools section is a standalone toolkit of plotting and reporting utilities usable independently of the analytic sections. These tools produce the figures and tables systematic reviews typically include. Each tool works on its own dataset -- you don't need to run a Main Analysis first.
The six tools
| # | Tool | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forest Plot Maker | Build a forest plot from effect estimates and CIs |
| 2 | Funnel Plot Analyzer | Build funnel plots (standard, contour-enhanced, trim-and-fill) |
| 3 | Risk of Bias Visualizer | Build RoB summary and traffic-light figures (RoB 2 / ROBINS-I) |
| 4 | GRADE Table Generator | Build a GRADE Summary of Findings table |
| 5 | Network Plot Maker | Draw a network geometry plot from head-to-head comparisons |
| 6 | Flowchart Maker | Build flowcharts, including PRISMA template |
Forest Plot Maker
Build a forest plot directly from pre-computed effect estimates.
| Step | What you do |
|---|---|
| 1. Quick start | Start with sample data to see the format |
| 2. Enter or upload data | Per-study labels, effect sizes, CI bounds, weights |
| 3. Choose template style | Pick visual layout for manuscript |
| 4. Export | Figure renders and can be exported |
Useful when you have estimates from a published paper or external tool and need a publication-ready figure.
Funnel Plot Analyzer
Supports three plot variants and trim-and-fill adjustment:
| Variant | Use |
|---|---|
| Standard funnel plot | Effect vs precision with 95% pseudo-CI funnel |
| Contour-enhanced | Shaded significance contours to distinguish bias from small-study effects |
| With trim-and-fill | Duval-Tweedie adjustment with imputed studies and adjusted pooled effect |
Use for deeper investigation of publication bias beyond routine diagnostics.
Risk of Bias Visualizer
Builds risk-of-bias summary figures for systematic reviews. Supports:
| Framework | Use |
|---|---|
| RoB 2 | Cochrane's tool for randomized trials |
| ROBINS-I | Tool for non-randomized studies of interventions |
Enter per-domain judgements (low / some concerns / high risk) per study. Produces the per-study traffic-light table and summary bar chart showing judgement distribution across the evidence.
GRADE Table Generator
Builds a Summary of Findings table in GRADE framework. For each outcome, enter number of participants, anticipated absolute effects, relative effect, certainty rating, and explanatory comments. The tool assembles the table in GRADE format for manuscript or guideline inclusion.
Network Plot Maker
Draws the network geometry plot for NMA. Treatments are nodes; direct comparisons are edges. Distinguishes:
- Direct edges -- head-to-head studies performed
- Indirect connections -- comparisons estimated through the network
Shows whether the network is connected, where evidence concentrates, and which comparisons rest on direct vs indirect inference.
Flowchart Maker (including PRISMA)
General flowchart builder with templates for review-process diagrams:
- Start from a template (e.g. PRISMA) or blank canvas
- Edit nodes and edges -- screening boxes, exclusion arms, eligibility steps
- Name the flowchart for export
- Export figure for manuscript inclusion
The PRISMA template shows records identified, screened, assessed for eligibility, and included.
When to use which tool
| You need to... | Tool |
|---|---|
| Show meta-analysis results visually | Main Analysis output or Forest Plot Maker |
| Inspect publication bias graphically | Funnel Plot Analyzer |
| Communicate bias assessment | Risk of Bias Visualizer |
| Present certainty of evidence per outcome | GRADE Table Generator |
| Show treatment network structure | Network Plot Maker |
| Show literature flow from search to inclusion | Flowchart Maker (PRISMA template) |
| Draw custom review process diagram | Flowchart Maker (blank canvas) |