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

Pay securely with card, wallet or in three interest-free instalments. Our packaging is plastic-free and every delivery is carbon-neutral. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. We work directly with makers, so prices stay fair for everyone.

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">
      Pay securely with card, wallet or in three interest-free instalments. Our packaging is plastic-free and every delivery is carbon-neutral. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. We work directly with makers, so prices stay fair for everyone.
    </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">
      Pay securely with card, wallet or in three interest-free instalments. Our packaging is plastic-free and every delivery is carbon-neutral. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. We work directly with makers, so prices stay fair for everyone.
    </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">
      Pay securely with card, wallet or in three interest-free instalments. Our packaging is plastic-free and every delivery is carbon-neutral. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. We work directly with makers, so prices stay fair for everyone.
    </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">
      Pay securely with card, wallet or in three interest-free instalments. Our packaging is plastic-free and every delivery is carbon-neutral. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. We work directly with makers, so prices stay fair for everyone.
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

2Horizontal scroll only

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

30-day returns

Gift wrapping

30-day returns

Loyalty rewards

<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">
      30-day returns
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      30-day returns
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Gift wrapping
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      30-day returns
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Loyalty rewards
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

3Vertical scroll only

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

Ethan Kowalski
Amara Alvarez
Isla Quinn
Felix Rossi
Ella Tanaka
Hana Kim

<ul class="list-unstyled border rounded-3 overflow-y-auto mb-0" style="max-height:150px">
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Ethan Kowalski</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Amara Alvarez</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Isla Quinn</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Felix Rossi</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Ella Tanaka</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2">Hana Kim</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-1441986300917-64674bd600d8?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-1441984904996-e0b6ba687e04?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
#INV-5422	Luna Morgan	Lisbon	Oct 11, 2025	Cancelled	$218.80
#PO-4659	Nadia Whitaker	Montreal	Jun 17, 2026	Shipped	$440.24

<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>#INV-5422</td>
        <td>Luna Morgan</td>
        <td>Lisbon</td>
        <td>Oct 11, 2025</td>
        <td>Cancelled</td>
        <td>$218.80</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>#PO-4659</td>
        <td>Nadia Whitaker</td>
        <td>Montreal</td>
        <td>Jun 17, 2026</td>
        <td>Shipped</td>
        <td>$440.24</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/emberium-deck --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/emberium-deck --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir</code></pre>

7Chat window

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

Pay securely with card, wallet or in three interest-free instalments.

Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves.

Order before 2 pm and most items leave our warehouse the same day.

Each product is checked by hand before it goes into the box.

<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">
      Pay securely with card, wallet or in three interest-free instalments.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-start bg-body-tertiary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Order before 2 pm and most items leave our warehouse the same day.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Each product is checked by hand before it goes into the box.
    </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">Home</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">how-to</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">Home</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">plan</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">secure</a> 
</nav>

9Terms box

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

Terms of use

Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Thousands of shoppers already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. We measure success by how many shoppers come back and tell their friends. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.

Members get early access to new drops and prices only they can see. Thousands of five-star reviews from customers who came back for more. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Not sure about the size? Our fit guide and live chat help you choose.

We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. Our packaging is plastic-free and every delivery is carbon-neutral. Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order.

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3 overflow-auto small bg-body-tertiary" style="height:130px">
  <h3 class="h6">Terms of use</h3>
  <p>Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Thousands of shoppers already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. We measure success by how many shoppers come back and tell their friends. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.</p>
  <p>Members get early access to new drops and prices only they can see. Thousands of five-star reviews from customers who came back for more. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Not sure about the size? Our fit guide and live chat help you choose.</p>
  <p class="mb-0">We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. Our packaging is plastic-free and every delivery is carbon-neutral. Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order.</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-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">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">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.

Shop the collection everyone talks about - New pieces arrive every month, and the best ones sell out fast.

Oct 19, 2025

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3" style="max-width:20rem">
  <div class="overflow-hidden fw-semibold lh-sm" style="height:2.5em">
    Shop the collection everyone talks about - New pieces arrive every month, and the best ones sell out fast.
  </div>
  <div class="small text-body-secondary mt-1">
    Oct 19, 2025
  </div>
</div>

12Sidebar that scrolls separately

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

Free shipping on orders over $50 and easy returns within 30 days. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.

<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">
    Free shipping on orders over $50 and easy returns within 30 days. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.
  </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-1441984904996-e0b6ba687e04?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&h=700&q=70" alt="Our guide to gifts under $50" 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

Live order tracking

Loyalty rewards

Live order tracking

Doing

Gift wrapping

Done

Live order tracking

<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">
      Live order tracking
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small mb-2">
      Loyalty rewards
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small">
      Live order 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">
      Gift wrapping
    </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">
      Live order tracking
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

15Overflow-x hidden

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

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

Panel partly off the edge

<div class="position-relative overflow-x-hidden border rounded-3 p-3" style="height:110px">
  <div class="small">
    Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess.
  </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.

Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order.

<div class="overflow-y-scroll border rounded-3 p-2 small" style="height:90px">
  Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order.
</div>

17Notification panel

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

Notifications

Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.

Not sure about the size? Our fit guide and live chat help you choose.

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

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

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">
      Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      Not sure about the size? Our fit guide and live chat help you choose.
    </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">
      Thousands of shoppers already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.
    </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.

Everyday essentials, beautifully made

Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves.

<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">Everyday essentials, beautifully made</h3>
  <p class="small mb-0 position-relative">Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves.</p>
</div>

19Long word handling

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

downloads/emberium-deck/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/emberium-deck/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/emberium-deck/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	27	166 GB	Email and chat	Unlimited	$99.02

<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>27</td>
        <td>166 GB</td>
        <td>Email and chat</td>
        <td>Unlimited</td>
        <td>$99.02</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>