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

Airport transfers, tours and dinners are arranged before you arrive. Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Free cancellation on most stays means you can book now and decide later.

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">
      Airport transfers, tours and dinners are arranged before you arrive. Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Free cancellation on most stays means you can book now and decide later.
    </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">
      Airport transfers, tours and dinners are arranged before you arrive. Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Free cancellation on most stays means you can book now and decide later.
    </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">
      Airport transfers, tours and dinners are arranged before you arrive. Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Free cancellation on most stays means you can book now and decide later.
    </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">
      Airport transfers, tours and dinners are arranged before you arrive. Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Free cancellation on most stays means you can book now and decide later.
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

2Horizontal scroll only

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

Car rental

Holiday packages

Guided tours

Travel insurance

Holiday packages

<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">
      Car rental
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Holiday packages
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Guided tours
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Travel insurance
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Holiday packages
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

3Vertical scroll only

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

Jonah Novak
Liam Fischer
Leo Quinn
Elena Varga
Omar Ortega
Ella Patel

<ul class="list-unstyled border rounded-3 overflow-y-auto mb-0" style="max-height:150px">
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Jonah Novak</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Liam Fischer</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Leo Quinn</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Elena Varga</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Omar Ortega</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2">Ella Patel</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-1614088459293-5669fadc3448?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-1783443076547-fb9cb67224a0?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-9069	Nadia Nguyen	Melbourne	Jul 11, 2026	Completed	$349.27
#PO-2542	Ruby Moreau	Copenhagen	Jun 18, 2026	Pending	$70.43

<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-9069</td>
        <td>Nadia Nguyen</td>
        <td>Melbourne</td>
        <td>Jul 11, 2026</td>
        <td>Completed</td>
        <td>$349.27</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>#PO-2542</td>
        <td>Ruby Moreau</td>
        <td>Copenhagen</td>
        <td>Jun 18, 2026</td>
        <td>Pending</td>
        <td>$70.43</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/fable --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/fable --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir</code></pre>

7Chat window

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

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

Our travel experts are on call around the clock while you are away.

Travel insurance and car rental can be added in a single click.

Members get room upgrades and late check-out at selected hotels.

<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">
      Thousands of travellers already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Our travel experts are on call around the clock while you are away.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-start bg-body-tertiary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Travel insurance and car rental can be added in a single click.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Members get room upgrades and late check-out at selected hotels.
    </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">Mountain</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">Beach</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">community</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">release</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

Flexible dates help you find quieter weeks and better prices. We find the best price, and if you see it cheaper we match it. Every hotel on our list is visited and reviewed by our own travel team. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you.

Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Local guides show you the places that never make it into guidebooks. We measure success by how many travellers come back and tell their friends.

We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. From city breaks to safaris, we plan trips around how you like to travel. Family rooms, adults-only retreats and pet-friendly stays in one search. Local guides show you the places that never make it into guidebooks.

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3 overflow-auto small bg-body-tertiary" style="height:130px">
  <h3 class="h6">Terms of use</h3>
  <p>Flexible dates help you find quieter weeks and better prices. We find the best price, and if you see it cheaper we match it. Every hotel on our list is visited and reviewed by our own travel team. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you.</p>
  <p>Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Local guides show you the places that never make it into guidebooks. We measure success by how many travellers come back and tell their friends.</p>
  <p class="mb-0">We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. From city breaks to safaris, we plan trips around how you like to travel. Family rooms, adults-only retreats and pet-friendly stays in one search. Local guides show you the places that never make it into guidebooks.</p>
</div>

10Visible overflow for a badge

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

overflow-hidden3

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">3</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.

Go further, travel better - Flexible dates help you find quieter weeks and better prices.

Feb 14, 2026

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3" style="max-width:20rem">
  <div class="overflow-hidden fw-semibold lh-sm" style="height:2.5em">
    Go further, travel better - Flexible dates help you find quieter weeks and better prices.
  </div>
  <div class="small text-body-secondary mt-1">
    Feb 14, 2026
  </div>
</div>

12Sidebar that scrolls separately

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

Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. 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">
    Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. 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-1578894381163-e72c17f2d45f?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&h=700&q=70" alt="Our favourite tips for busy weeks" 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

Guided tours

Travel insurance

Car rental

Doing

Travel insurance

Done

Airport transfers

<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">
      Guided tours
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small mb-2">
      Travel insurance
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small">
      Car rental
    </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">
      Travel insurance
    </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">
      Airport transfers
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

15Overflow-x hidden

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

Airport transfers, tours and dinners are arranged before you arrive.

Panel partly off the edge

<div class="position-relative overflow-x-hidden border rounded-3 p-3" style="height:110px">
  <div class="small">
    Airport transfers, tours and dinners are arranged before you arrive.
  </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.

Every hotel on our list is visited and reviewed by our own travel team.

<div class="overflow-y-scroll border rounded-3 p-2 small" style="height:90px">
  Every hotel on our list is visited and reviewed by our own travel team.
</div>

17Notification panel

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

Notifications

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

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

Every trip supports local businesses and responsible tourism.

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

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">
      Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess.
    </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 border-bottom small">
      Every trip supports local businesses and responsible tourism.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 small">
      We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.
    </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.

Pack your bags, we will do the rest

Travel insurance and car rental can be added in a single click.

<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">Pack your bags, we will do the rest</h3>
  <p class="small mb-0 position-relative">Travel insurance and car rental can be added in a single click.</p>
</div>

19Long word handling

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

downloads/fable/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/fable/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/fable/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	31	388 GB	Email and chat	Unlimited	$81.66

<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>31</td>
        <td>388 GB</td>
        <td>Email and chat</td>
        <td>Unlimited</td>
        <td>$81.66</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>