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

Family plans cover check-ups and vaccinations for everyone under one roof. Modern equipment means faster diagnoses and more comfortable treatment. Book online in two minutes and see a doctor as soon as today. Thousands of patients already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.

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">
      Family plans cover check-ups and vaccinations for everyone under one roof. Modern equipment means faster diagnoses and more comfortable treatment. Book online in two minutes and see a doctor as soon as today. Thousands of patients already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.
    </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">
      Family plans cover check-ups and vaccinations for everyone under one roof. Modern equipment means faster diagnoses and more comfortable treatment. Book online in two minutes and see a doctor as soon as today. Thousands of patients already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.
    </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">
      Family plans cover check-ups and vaccinations for everyone under one roof. Modern equipment means faster diagnoses and more comfortable treatment. Book online in two minutes and see a doctor as soon as today. Thousands of patients already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.
    </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">
      Family plans cover check-ups and vaccinations for everyone under one roof. Modern equipment means faster diagnoses and more comfortable treatment. Book online in two minutes and see a doctor as soon as today. Thousands of patients already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

2Horizontal scroll only

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

Physiotherapy

Lab tests

Physiotherapy

Dental care

Physiotherapy

<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">
      Physiotherapy
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Lab tests
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Physiotherapy
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Dental care
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Physiotherapy
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

3Vertical scroll only

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

Freya Rossi
Jonah Silva
Amara Haddad
Ruby Whitaker
Finn Larsen
Priya Hughes

<ul class="list-unstyled border rounded-3 overflow-y-auto mb-0" style="max-height:150px">
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Freya Rossi</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Jonah Silva</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Amara Haddad</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Ruby Whitaker</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Finn Larsen</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2">Priya Hughes</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="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1631217868264-e5b90bb7e133?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&h=800&q=70" 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="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1758691461990-03b49d969495?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&h=800&q=70" 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
#TX-7954	Samir Okafor	Auckland	Mar 21, 2026	Pending	$83.11
#ORD-7574	Sofia Kowalski	Oslo	Jan 5, 2026	Draft	$732.76

<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>#TX-7954</td>
        <td>Samir Okafor</td>
        <td>Auckland</td>
        <td>Mar 21, 2026</td>
        <td>Pending</td>
        <td>$83.11</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>#ORD-7574</td>
        <td>Sofia Kowalski</td>
        <td>Oslo</td>
        <td>Jan 5, 2026</td>
        <td>Draft</td>
        <td>$732.76</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/bloom --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir

<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/bloom --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir</code></pre>

7Chat window

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

Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.

Our clinic is fully accessible, with free parking right outside.

Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess.

Your records are private, secure and always available when you need them.

<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">
      Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Our clinic is fully accessible, with free parking right outside.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-start bg-body-tertiary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Your records are private, secure and always available when you need them.
    </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">Dental</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">Cardiology</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">project</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">focused</a> 
</nav>

9Terms box

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

Terms of use

Lab results arrive in your patient portal, usually within 48 hours. We measure success by how many patients come back and tell their friends. Friendly reminders make sure you never miss a check-up or a dose.

We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. Same-day appointments are available for urgent needs on weekdays. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right.

Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. We work with most insurance providers and explain any costs upfront. Children are welcome, and our paediatric team knows how to make them smile. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3 overflow-auto small bg-body-tertiary" style="height:130px">
  <h3 class="h6">Terms of use</h3>
  <p>Lab results arrive in your patient portal, usually within 48 hours. We measure success by how many patients come back and tell their friends. Friendly reminders make sure you never miss a check-up or a dose.</p>
  <p>We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. Same-day appointments are available for urgent needs on weekdays. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right.</p>
  <p class="mb-0">Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. We work with most insurance providers and explain any costs upfront. Children are welcome, and our paediatric team knows how to make them smile. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.</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-visible5

<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">5</span>
  </div>
</div>

11Hidden overflow for a cropped title

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

Personal care from people who listen - We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.

Dec 27, 2025

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3" style="max-width:20rem">
  <div class="overflow-hidden fw-semibold lh-sm" style="height:2.5em">
    Personal care from people who listen - We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.
  </div>
  <div class="small text-body-secondary mt-1">
    Dec 27, 2025
  </div>
</div>

12Sidebar that scrolls separately

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

Book online in two minutes and see a doctor as soon as today. We work with most insurance providers and explain any costs upfront.

<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">
    Book online in two minutes and see a doctor as soon as today. We work with most insurance providers and explain any costs upfront.
  </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="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1758691462123-8a17ae95d203?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&h=700&q=70" alt="Five things we learned this year" 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

Telehealth

Health check-ups

Dental care

Doing

Dental care

Done

Lab tests

<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">
      Telehealth
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small mb-2">
      Health check-ups
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small">
      Dental care
    </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">
      Dental care
    </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">
      Lab tests
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

15Overflow-x hidden

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

Family plans cover check-ups and vaccinations for everyone under one roof.

Panel partly off the edge

<div class="position-relative overflow-x-hidden border rounded-3 p-3" style="height:110px">
  <div class="small">
    Family plans cover check-ups and vaccinations for everyone under one roof.
  </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.

Your records are private, secure and always available when you need them.

<div class="overflow-y-scroll border rounded-3 p-2 small" style="height:90px">
  Your records are private, secure and always available when you need them.
</div>

17Notification panel

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

Notifications

We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.

Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right.

Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.

Children are welcome, and our paediatric team knows how to make them smile.

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">
      We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 small">
      Children are welcome, and our paediatric team knows how to make them smile.
    </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.

Care that puts you first

Friendly reminders make sure you never miss a check-up or a dose.

<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">Care that puts you first</h3>
  <p class="small mb-0 position-relative">Friendly reminders make sure you never miss a check-up or a dose.</p>
</div>

19Long word handling

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

downloads/bloom/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/bloom/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/bloom/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	48	62 GB	Email and chat	Unlimited	$77.88

<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>48</td>
        <td>62 GB</td>
        <td>Email and chat</td>
        <td>Unlimited</td>
        <td>$77.88</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>