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

Book a table online in seconds, or call us for groups of eight or more. We have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it. Thousands of guests already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. Bread is baked every morning and pasta is rolled by hand in our kitchen.

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">
      Book a table online in seconds, or call us for groups of eight or more. We have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it. Thousands of guests already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. Bread is baked every morning and pasta is rolled by hand in our kitchen.
    </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">
      Book a table online in seconds, or call us for groups of eight or more. We have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it. Thousands of guests already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. Bread is baked every morning and pasta is rolled by hand in our kitchen.
    </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">
      Book a table online in seconds, or call us for groups of eight or more. We have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it. Thousands of guests already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. Bread is baked every morning and pasta is rolled by hand in our kitchen.
    </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">
      Book a table online in seconds, or call us for groups of eight or more. We have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it. Thousands of guests already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. Bread is baked every morning and pasta is rolled by hand in our kitchen.
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

2Horizontal scroll only

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

Private events

Catering

Cooking classes

Private events

Catering

<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">
      Private events
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Catering
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Cooking classes
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Private events
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Catering
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

3Vertical scroll only

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

Maya Tanaka
Amara Fischer
Chloe Nguyen
Ava Carter
Liam Brennan
Arjun Quinn

<ul class="list-unstyled border rounded-3 overflow-y-auto mb-0" style="max-height:150px">
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Maya Tanaka</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Amara Fischer</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Chloe Nguyen</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Ava Carter</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Liam Brennan</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2">Arjun Quinn</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-1517248135467-4c7edcad34c4?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-1565895405140-6b9830a88c19?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-4392	Mason Silva	Lisbon	May 20, 2026	Cancelled	$581.67
#TX-2563	Ethan Haddad	Denver	Jan 12, 2026	Cancelled	$99.24

<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-4392</td>
        <td>Mason Silva</td>
        <td>Lisbon</td>
        <td>May 20, 2026</td>
        <td>Cancelled</td>
        <td>$581.67</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>#TX-2563</td>
        <td>Ethan Haddad</td>
        <td>Denver</td>
        <td>Jan 12, 2026</td>
        <td>Cancelled</td>
        <td>$99.24</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/delta --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/delta --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir</code></pre>

7Chat window

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

Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are marked clearly on every menu.

Thousands of guests already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.

Book a table online in seconds, or call us for groups of eight or more.

Our terrace is open from spring to autumn, with heaters for cooler evenings.

<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">
      Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are marked clearly on every menu.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Thousands of guests already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-start bg-body-tertiary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Book a table online in seconds, or call us for groups of eight or more.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Our terrace is open from spring to autumn, with heaters for cooler evenings.
    </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">Drinks</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">design</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">Starters</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">bright</a> 
</nav>

9Terms box

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

Terms of use

Cooking classes on Saturday mornings teach you our favourite recipes. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.

We have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it. Every dish is cooked to order, so tell us if you would like anything changed. Order for pickup or delivery and enjoy the same dishes at home. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.

Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. We measure success by how many guests come back and tell their friends. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. Private dining rooms seat up to forty guests for birthdays and business dinners.

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3 overflow-auto small bg-body-tertiary" style="height:130px">
  <h3 class="h6">Terms of use</h3>
  <p>Cooking classes on Saturday mornings teach you our favourite recipes. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.</p>
  <p>We have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it. Every dish is cooked to order, so tell us if you would like anything changed. Order for pickup or delivery and enjoy the same dishes at home. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.</p>
  <p class="mb-0">Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. We measure success by how many guests come back and tell their friends. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. Private dining rooms seat up to forty guests for birthdays and business dinners.</p>
</div>

10Visible overflow for a badge

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

overflow-hidden1

overflow-visible9

<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">1</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">9</span>
  </div>
</div>

11Hidden overflow for a cropped title

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

Fresh flavours, made every day - Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess.

Mar 26, 2026

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3" style="max-width:20rem">
  <div class="overflow-hidden fw-semibold lh-sm" style="height:2.5em">
    Fresh flavours, made every day - Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess.
  </div>
  <div class="small text-body-secondary mt-1">
    Mar 26, 2026
  </div>
</div>

12Sidebar that scrolls separately

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

Our sommelier has paired each dish with wines from small family vineyards. Our menu changes with the seasons and the best produce from nearby farms.

<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">
    Our sommelier has paired each dish with wines from small family vineyards. Our menu changes with the seasons and the best produce from nearby farms.
  </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-1559339352-11d035aa65de?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&h=700&q=70" alt="What our guests asked us most" 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

Private events

Takeaway

Dine-in

Doing

Private events

Done

Wine pairing

<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">
      Private events
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small mb-2">
      Takeaway
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small">
      Dine-in
    </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">
      Private events
    </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">
      Wine pairing
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

15Overflow-x hidden

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

Children are always welcome, with a menu made just for them.

Panel partly off the edge

<div class="position-relative overflow-x-hidden border rounded-3 p-3" style="height:110px">
  <div class="small">
    Children are always welcome, with a menu made just for them.
  </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.

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

<div class="overflow-y-scroll border rounded-3 p-2 small" style="height:90px">
  Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
</div>

17Notification panel

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

Notifications

We measure success by how many guests come back and tell their friends.

Our terrace is open from spring to autumn, with heaters for cooler evenings.

We have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it.

Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are marked clearly on every menu.

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 measure success by how many guests come back and tell their friends.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      Our terrace is open from spring to autumn, with heaters for cooler evenings.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      We have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 small">
      Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are marked clearly on every menu.
    </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.

Taste the city's favourite kitchen

Our sommelier has paired each dish with wines from small family vineyards.

<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">Taste the city&#39;s favourite kitchen</h3>
  <p class="small mb-0 position-relative">Our sommelier has paired each dish with wines from small family vineyards.</p>
</div>

19Long word handling

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

downloads/delta/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/delta/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/delta/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	45	156 GB	Email and chat	Unlimited	$22.83

<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>45</td>
        <td>156 GB</td>
        <td>Email and chat</td>
        <td>Unlimited</td>
        <td>$22.83</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>