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

Payroll runs on time, with tax and pension payments handled for you. Cash flow forecasts show where you will be next month, not just today. Open a business account online in about ten minutes, with no branch visit. Real people answer your questions around the clock, every day of the year.

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">
      Payroll runs on time, with tax and pension payments handled for you. Cash flow forecasts show where you will be next month, not just today. Open a business account online in about ten minutes, with no branch visit. Real people answer your questions around the clock, every day of the year.
    </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">
      Payroll runs on time, with tax and pension payments handled for you. Cash flow forecasts show where you will be next month, not just today. Open a business account online in about ten minutes, with no branch visit. Real people answer your questions around the clock, every day of the year.
    </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">
      Payroll runs on time, with tax and pension payments handled for you. Cash flow forecasts show where you will be next month, not just today. Open a business account online in about ten minutes, with no branch visit. Real people answer your questions around the clock, every day of the year.
    </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">
      Payroll runs on time, with tax and pension payments handled for you. Cash flow forecasts show where you will be next month, not just today. Open a business account online in about ten minutes, with no branch visit. Real people answer your questions around the clock, every day of the year.
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

2Horizontal scroll only

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

Payroll

Expense tracking

Corporate cards

Business accounts

<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">
      Payroll
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Expense tracking
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Corporate cards
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Business accounts
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Business accounts
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

3Vertical scroll only

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

Ivy Rossi
Finn Quinn
Luna Ashford
Kai Harlow
Noah Duarte
Amara Moreau

<ul class="list-unstyled border rounded-3 overflow-y-auto mb-0" style="max-height:150px">
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Ivy Rossi</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Finn Quinn</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Luna Ashford</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Kai Harlow</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Noah Duarte</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2">Amara Moreau</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="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1624555130581-1d9cca783bc0?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
#PO-5460	Felix Silva	Valencia	May 30, 2026	Cancelled	$68.32
#PO-7168	Chloe Haddad	Kyoto	Oct 21, 2025	On hold	$854.47

<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>#PO-5460</td>
        <td>Felix Silva</td>
        <td>Valencia</td>
        <td>May 30, 2026</td>
        <td>Cancelled</td>
        <td>$68.32</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>#PO-7168</td>
        <td>Chloe Haddad</td>
        <td>Kyoto</td>
        <td>Oct 21, 2025</td>
        <td>On hold</td>
        <td>$854.47</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/emberan --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/emberan --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir</code></pre>

7Chat window

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

Invoices go out with a payment link, so customers can pay you in one click.

Issue virtual and physical cards to your team with limits you control.

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

Every payment appears instantly, with receipts matched automatically.

<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">
      Invoices go out with a payment link, so customers can pay you in one click.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Issue virtual and physical cards to your team with limits you control.
    </div>
    <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">
      Every payment appears instantly, with receipts matched automatically.
    </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">Payments</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">guide</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">Payroll</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">update</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

We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. We measure success by how many members come back and tell their friends. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.

Send and receive money in more than 30 currencies at fair exchange rates. Set approval rules for large payments and see who spent what, and why. No monthly fees on the basic plan and no hidden charges on transfers. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.

We measure success by how many members come back and tell their friends. Accounting sync keeps your books up to date without manual exports. Real people answer your questions around the clock, every day of the year.

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3 overflow-auto small bg-body-tertiary" style="height:130px">
  <h3 class="h6">Terms of use</h3>
  <p>We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. We measure success by how many members come back and tell their friends. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.</p>
  <p>Send and receive money in more than 30 currencies at fair exchange rates. Set approval rules for large payments and see who spent what, and why. No monthly fees on the basic plan and no hidden charges on transfers. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.</p>
  <p class="mb-0">We measure success by how many members come back and tell their friends. Accounting sync keeps your books up to date without manual exports. Real people answer your questions around the clock, every day of the year.</p>
</div>

10Visible overflow for a badge

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

overflow-hidden7

overflow-visible4

<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">7</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">4</span>
  </div>
</div>

11Hidden overflow for a cropped title

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

Finance tools your accountant will love - Set approval rules for large payments and see who spent what, and why.

Aug 7, 2026

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3" style="max-width:20rem">
  <div class="overflow-hidden fw-semibold lh-sm" style="height:2.5em">
    Finance tools your accountant will love - Set approval rules for large payments and see who spent what, and why.
  </div>
  <div class="small text-body-secondary mt-1">
    Aug 7, 2026
  </div>
</div>

12Sidebar that scrolls separately

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

Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.

<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 team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.
  </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-1758518729685-f88df7890776?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&h=700&q=70" alt="A beginner&#39;s guide to getting started" 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

Business accounts

Invoicing

Expense tracking

Doing

Invoicing

Done

Business accounts

<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">
      Business accounts
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small mb-2">
      Invoicing
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small">
      Expense tracking
    </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">
      Invoicing
    </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">
      Business accounts
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

15Overflow-x hidden

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

Cash flow forecasts show where you will be next month, not just today.

Panel partly off the edge

<div class="position-relative overflow-x-hidden border rounded-3 p-3" style="height:110px">
  <div class="small">
    Cash flow forecasts show where you will be next month, not just today.
  </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.

We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you.

<div class="overflow-y-scroll border rounded-3 p-2 small" style="height:90px">
  We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you.
</div>

17Notification panel

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

Notifications

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

Invoices go out with a payment link, so customers can pay you in one click.

Open a business account online in about ten minutes, with no branch visit.

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

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">
      Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      Invoices go out with a payment link, so customers can pay you in one click.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      Open a business account online in about ten minutes, with no branch visit.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 small">
      Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
    </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.

Money management made simple

Issue virtual and physical cards to your team with limits you control.

<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">Money management made simple</h3>
  <p class="small mb-0 position-relative">Issue virtual and physical cards to your team with limits you control.</p>
</div>

19Long word handling

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

downloads/emberan/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/emberan/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/emberan/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	33	441 GB	Email and chat	Unlimited	$71.31

<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>33</td>
        <td>441 GB</td>
        <td>Email and chat</td>
        <td>Unlimited</td>
        <td>$71.31</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>