Free synthesis matrix templates
The standard literature review matrix layout used by university writing centers. Download a blank file, or skip the row-by-row setup and generate a filled first draft from real papers.
Choose your starting point
Blank file
I want to fill it in myself.
Download Word, Excel, CSV, or Markdown below. You add each source and fill every cell.
See blank downloads ↓Filled first draft
Start with real papers, not empty rows.
Search a topic or import your DOI/title list. Choose the papers, then get an editable matrix with linked sources, themes, gaps, and reading order.
Real source records → AI-drafted cells → full-text verification
Download a blank template
Word
Landscape .docx with the standard 7-column table and 8 blank source rows. Opens in Word, Google Docs, and Pages.
Download blank .docxAuto-fill this template →Excel / Google Sheets
.xlsx with wrapped cells, frozen header, and a how-to sheet. Prefer plain text? Same layout as CSV.
Download blank .xlsx.csvAuto-fill this template →Markdown
For Notion, Obsidian, or any Markdown editor. Same structure, plain text.
Download blank .mdAuto-fill this template →Word / Google Docs — copy this table
Select the table below, copy, and paste straight into Word or Google Docs. It keeps its structure.
| Citation | Research question | Method | Sample | Key findings | Limitations | Notes / gap ideas |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
How to fill it in
- 1. One paper per row; write the citation as “First author et al. (year)”.
- 2. Keep cells short — phrases, not paragraphs. The matrix is for comparing, not summarizing.
- 3. After 8–10 rows, read down each column: agreements become themes, disagreements become discussion points, and empty spaces become your research gap.
Want the first pass done for you? Generate a filled matrix from real papers →