Overflow

Overflow utilities control what happens when content is bigger than its box: overflow-auto scrolls when needed, overflow-hidden clips, overflow-visible lets content spill and overflow-scroll always shows scrollbars. overflow-x-* and overflow-y-* handle each axis separately, ideal for wide tables and side-scrolling rows.

1The four overflow values

overflow-auto, overflow-hidden, overflow-visible and overflow-scroll on boxes of fixed height.

overflow-auto

A modern update makes every detail in view at a fair price. Our personal training makes your work organised for teams of every size. This modern community makes customers coming back at a fair price. A calm community brings your work organised for teams of every size.

overflow-hidden

overflow-visible

overflow-scroll

<div class="row g-3 small">
  <div class="col-6 col-md-3">
    <code>overflow-auto</code>
    <div class="overflow-auto border rounded-3 p-2 bg-body-tertiary" style="height:100px">
      A modern update makes every detail in view at a fair price. Our personal training makes your work organised for teams of every size. This modern community makes customers coming back at a fair price. A calm community brings your work organised for teams of every size.
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-6 col-md-3">
    <code>overflow-hidden</code>
    <div class="overflow-hidden border rounded-3 p-2 bg-body-tertiary" style="height:100px">
      A modern update makes every detail in view at a fair price. Our personal training makes your work organised for teams of every size. This modern community makes customers coming back at a fair price. A calm community brings your work organised for teams of every size.
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-6 col-md-3">
    <code>overflow-visible</code>
    <div class="overflow-visible border rounded-3 p-2 bg-body-tertiary mb-5" style="height:100px">
      A modern update makes every detail in view at a fair price. Our personal training makes your work organised for teams of every size. This modern community makes customers coming back at a fair price. A calm community brings your work organised for teams of every size.
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-6 col-md-3">
    <code>overflow-scroll</code>
    <div class="overflow-scroll border rounded-3 p-2 bg-body-tertiary" style="height:100px">
      A modern update makes every detail in view at a fair price. Our personal training makes your work organised for teams of every size. This modern community makes customers coming back at a fair price. A calm community brings your work organised for teams of every size.
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

2Horizontal scroll only

overflow-x-auto with flex-nowrap scrolls a row of cards sideways.

Yoga

Recovery spa

Online coaching

Yoga

Online coaching

<div class="d-flex flex-nowrap gap-2 overflow-x-auto pb-2">
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Yoga
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Recovery spa
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Online coaching
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Yoga
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Online coaching
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

3Vertical scroll only

overflow-y-auto and a max-height make a scrolling list.

Liam Rossi
Hana Kowalski
Priya Lindqvist
Kai Hughes
Finn Hughes
Ava Fischer

<ul class="list-unstyled border rounded-3 overflow-y-auto mb-0" style="max-height:150px">
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Liam Rossi</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Hana Kowalski</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Priya Lindqvist</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Kai Hughes</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Finn Hughes</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2">Ava Fischer</li>
</ul>

4Hidden to clip rounded corners

overflow-hidden on a rounded card clips the image corners.

without

overflow-hidden

<div class="row g-3">
  <div class="col-6">
    <div class="border rounded-4">
      <img src="../assets/img/photo-1.svg" alt="Not clipped" class="w-100 d-block">
      <div class="p-2 small">
        without
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-6">
    <div class="border rounded-4 overflow-hidden">
      <img src="../assets/img/photo-2.svg" alt="Clipped" class="w-100 d-block">
      <div class="p-2 small">
        overflow-hidden
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

5Wide table

A wide table inside overflow-x-auto scrolls instead of breaking the page.

Order	Customer	City	Date	Status	Total
#ORD-5445	Isla Rossi	Cape Town	Apr 26, 2026	On hold	$121.68
#TX-7206	Ravi Ashford	Edinburgh	Aug 30, 2026	Completed	$133.72

<div class="overflow-x-auto border rounded-3">
  <table class="table table-sm mb-0 text-nowrap">
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th scope="col">Order</th>
        <th scope="col">Customer</th>
        <th scope="col">City</th>
        <th scope="col">Date</th>
        <th scope="col">Status</th>
        <th scope="col">Total</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>#ORD-5445</td>
        <td>Isla Rossi</td>
        <td>Cape Town</td>
        <td>Apr 26, 2026</td>
        <td>On hold</td>
        <td>$121.68</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>#TX-7206</td>
        <td>Ravi Ashford</td>
        <td>Edinburgh</td>
        <td>Aug 30, 2026</td>
        <td>Completed</td>
        <td>$133.72</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

6Code block that scrolls

Long lines in a pre with overflow-x-auto stay on one line.

npm run build -- --mode production --out-dir dist/brand-name-10 --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir

<pre v-pre class="overflow-x-auto bg-body-tertiary border rounded-3 p-3 small mb-0"><code>npm run build -- --mode production --out-dir dist/brand-name-10 --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir</code></pre>

7Chat window

A fixed height message area with overflow-y-auto above a fixed input.

This secure experience connects customers coming back for teams of every size.

The new flexible plans gives customers coming back without extra tools.

The new certified coaches helps customers coming back without extra tools.

The new modern equipment keeps your work organised in just a few clicks.

<div class="border rounded-4 d-flex flex-column" style="height:220px;max-width:22rem">
  <div class="overflow-y-auto p-3 d-flex flex-column gap-2 flex-grow-1">
    <div class="align-self-start bg-body-tertiary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      This secure experience connects customers coming back for teams of every size.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      The new flexible plans gives customers coming back without extra tools.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-start bg-body-tertiary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      The new certified coaches helps customers coming back without extra tools.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      The new modern equipment keeps your work organised in just a few clicks.
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border-top p-2">
    <label class="visually-hidden" for="ut-msg-1253">Message</label>
    <input id="ut-msg-1253" type="text" class="form-control form-control-sm" placeholder="Type a message">
  </div>
</div>

8Scrollable tab strip

Pills in a flex-nowrap row with overflow-x-auto for many categories.

<nav class="d-flex flex-nowrap gap-2 overflow-x-auto pb-1" aria-label="Categories">
  <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-primary rounded-pill text-nowrap">All</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">Yoga</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">case study</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">Yoga</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">tips</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">story</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">elegant</a> 
</nav>

9Terms box

A long text inside a bordered box with overflow-auto, like a licence agreement.

Terms of use

The new progress tracking brings your work organised without the usual hassle. This friendly dashboard helps decisions quicker and clearer in just a few clicks. A bright project keeps results you can measure from the very first day.

The new flexible plans lets the whole team on the same page at a fair price. A simple story connects you focused on what matters without the usual hassle. The new certified coaches shows the whole team on the same page at a fair price.

A practical dashboard gives new ideas to life in just a few clicks. This powerful idea makes your work organised in just a few clicks. A fast launch turns you focused on what matters all year round.

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3 overflow-auto small bg-body-tertiary" style="height:130px">
  <h3 class="h6">Terms of use</h3>
  <p>The new progress tracking brings your work organised without the usual hassle. This friendly dashboard helps decisions quicker and clearer in just a few clicks. A bright project keeps results you can measure from the very first day.</p>
  <p>The new flexible plans lets the whole team on the same page at a fair price. A simple story connects you focused on what matters without the usual hassle. The new certified coaches shows the whole team on the same page at a fair price.</p>
  <p class="mb-0">A practical dashboard gives new ideas to life in just a few clicks. This powerful idea makes your work organised in just a few clicks. A fast launch turns you focused on what matters all year round.</p>
</div>

10Visible overflow for a badge

overflow-visible lets a badge stick out of a box that would otherwise clip it.

overflow-hidden5

overflow-visible2

<div class="d-flex gap-4 pt-2">
  <div class="position-relative overflow-hidden border rounded-3 p-3 small">
    overflow-hidden<span class="position-absolute top-0 start-100 translate-middle badge rounded-pill text-bg-danger">5</span>
  </div>
  <div class="position-relative overflow-visible border rounded-3 p-3 small">
    overflow-visible<span class="position-absolute top-0 start-100 translate-middle badge rounded-pill text-bg-danger">2</span>
  </div>
</div>

11Hidden overflow for a cropped title

overflow-hidden with a fixed height clips long text to two lines worth of space.

Your fitness journey starts now - Our personal training brings projects moving forward wherever you are.

Jan 9, 2026

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3" style="max-width:20rem">
  <div class="overflow-hidden fw-semibold lh-sm" style="height:2.5em">
    Your fitness journey starts now - Our personal training brings projects moving forward wherever you are.
  </div>
  <div class="small text-body-secondary mt-1">
    Jan 9, 2026
  </div>
</div>

12Sidebar that scrolls separately

The nav column scrolls with overflow-y-auto while the content stays put.

This fast release gives decisions quicker and clearer on any device. This secure goal lets customers coming back without extra tools.

<div class="d-flex border rounded-3" style="height:180px">
  <nav class="overflow-y-auto border-end p-2 small flex-shrink-0" style="width:130px" aria-label="Chapters">
    <a href="#" class="d-block py-1">Intro</a><a href="#" class="d-block py-1">Setup</a><a href="#" class="d-block py-1">Layout</a> <a href="#" class="d-block py-1">Colours</a><a href="#" class="d-block py-1">Forms</a><a href="#" class="d-block py-1">Tables</a> <a href="#" class="d-block py-1">Charts</a><a href="#" class="d-block py-1">Deploy</a> 
  </nav>
  <div class="p-3 small">
    This fast release gives decisions quicker and clearer on any device. This secure goal lets customers coming back without extra tools.
  </div>
</div>

13Image pan area

A large image in an overflow-auto box can be scrolled in both directions.

<div class="overflow-auto border rounded-3" style="height:160px;max-width:26rem">
  <img src="../assets/img/wide-3.svg" alt="What&#39;s new in cardio" width="900" height="394" class="d-block"> 
</div>

14Kanban columns

Columns side by side in overflow-x-auto, each column scrolls with overflow-y-auto.

To do

Recovery spa

Doing

Group classes

Done

Nutrition plans

<div class="d-flex gap-2 overflow-x-auto pb-1">
  <div class="bg-body-tertiary rounded-3 p-2 flex-shrink-0 overflow-y-auto" style="width:170px;max-height:180px">
    <div class="small fw-semibold mb-2">
      To do
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small mb-2">
      Recovery spa
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small mb-2">
      Recovery spa
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small">
      Recovery spa
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="bg-body-tertiary rounded-3 p-2 flex-shrink-0 overflow-y-auto" style="width:170px;max-height:180px">
    <div class="small fw-semibold mb-2">
      Doing
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small">
      Group classes
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="bg-body-tertiary rounded-3 p-2 flex-shrink-0 overflow-y-auto" style="width:170px;max-height:180px">
    <div class="small fw-semibold mb-2">
      Done
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small">
      Nutrition plans
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

15Overflow-x hidden

overflow-x-hidden hides content that slides in from the side, like an off-screen panel.

A secure routine turns every detail in view on any device.

Panel partly off the edge

<div class="position-relative overflow-x-hidden border rounded-3 p-3" style="height:110px">
  <div class="small">
    A secure routine turns every detail in view on any device.
  </div>
  <div class="position-absolute top-0 bg-primary-subtle h-100 p-2 small" style="left:90%;width:200px">
    Panel partly off the edge
  </div>
</div>

16Overflow-y scroll always

overflow-y-scroll always shows the vertical scrollbar, so the width never jumps.

A fast routine brings new ideas to life for teams of every size.

<div class="overflow-y-scroll border rounded-3 p-2 small" style="height:90px">
  A fast routine brings new ideas to life for teams of every size.
</div>

17Notification panel

A dropdown-like panel with header, scrolling body and footer.

Notifications

This reliable goal turns every detail in view at a fair price.

A modern community connects customers coming back all year round.

The new modern equipment guides your work organised from the very first day.

Our recovery spa helps every detail in view without extra tools.

View all

<div class="border rounded-3 shadow-sm d-flex flex-column" style="max-width:20rem;height:220px">
  <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom fw-semibold small">
    Notifications
  </div>
  <div class="overflow-y-auto flex-grow-1">
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      This reliable goal turns every detail in view at a fair price.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      A modern community connects customers coming back all year round.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      The new modern equipment guides your work organised from the very first day.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 small">
      Our recovery spa helps every detail in view without extra tools.
    </div>
  </div>
  <a href="#" class="px-3 py-2 border-top small text-center">View all</a> 
</div>

18Clip a decorative shape

A big circle partly outside its panel is cut off by overflow-hidden.

Move more, stress less

The new flexible plans turns complex tasks into simple steps all year round.

<div class="position-relative overflow-hidden text-bg-primary rounded-4 p-4">
  <div class="position-absolute bg-white bg-opacity-25 rounded-circle" style="width:180px;height:180px;right:-60px;top:-60px">
  </div>
  <h3 class="h5 position-relative">Move more, stress less</h3>
  <p class="small mb-0 position-relative">The new flexible plans turns complex tasks into simple steps all year round.</p>
</div>

19Long word handling

overflow-hidden plus text-truncate versus text-break for an unbreakable string.

downloads/brand-name-10/assets/very-long-file-name-without-any-spaces-at-all.zip

<div class="row g-2 small">
  <div class="col-sm-6">
    <div class="border rounded-3 p-2 text-truncate">
      downloads/brand-name-10/assets/very-long-file-name-without-any-spaces-at-all.zip
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-sm-6">
    <div class="border rounded-3 p-2 text-break">
      downloads/brand-name-10/assets/very-long-file-name-without-any-spaces-at-all.zip
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

20Responsive table wrapper

table-responsive is the helper made of overflow-x-auto for tables.

Plan	Users	Storage	Support	API	Price
Pro	29	307 GB	Email and chat	Unlimited	$87.13

<div class="table-responsive border rounded-3">
  <table class="table table-sm mb-0 text-nowrap">
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th scope="col">Plan</th>
        <th scope="col">Users</th>
        <th scope="col">Storage</th>
        <th scope="col">Support</th>
        <th scope="col">API</th>
        <th scope="col">Price</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>Pro</td>
        <td>29</td>
        <td>307 GB</td>
        <td>Email and chat</td>
        <td>Unlimited</td>
        <td>$87.13</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>