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

We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Family plans cover check-ups and vaccinations for everyone under one roof. Friendly reminders make sure you never miss a check-up or a dose.

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">
      We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Family plans cover check-ups and vaccinations for everyone under one roof. Friendly reminders make sure you never miss a check-up or a dose.
    </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">
      We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Family plans cover check-ups and vaccinations for everyone under one roof. Friendly reminders make sure you never miss a check-up or a dose.
    </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">
      We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Family plans cover check-ups and vaccinations for everyone under one roof. Friendly reminders make sure you never miss a check-up or a dose.
    </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">
      We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Family plans cover check-ups and vaccinations for everyone under one roof. Friendly reminders make sure you never miss a check-up or a dose.
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

2Horizontal scroll only

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

Telehealth

Health check-ups

Lab tests

Physiotherapy

General practice

<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">
      Telehealth
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Health check-ups
    </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">
      General practice
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

3Vertical scroll only

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

Ethan Rossi
Mia Okafor
Jonah Lindqvist
Freya Duarte
Nadia Fischer
Liam Ashford

<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 Rossi</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Mia Okafor</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Jonah Lindqvist</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Freya Duarte</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Nadia Fischer</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2">Liam Ashford</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-1320	Finn Morgan	Edinburgh	May 2, 2026	Active	$579.37
#INV-5386	Hana Ortega	Denver	Oct 2, 2025	Completed	$771.53

<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-1320</td>
        <td>Finn Morgan</td>
        <td>Edinburgh</td>
        <td>May 2, 2026</td>
        <td>Active</td>
        <td>$579.37</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>#INV-5386</td>
        <td>Hana Ortega</td>
        <td>Denver</td>
        <td>Oct 2, 2025</td>
        <td>Completed</td>
        <td>$771.53</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/glowix-studio --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/glowix-studio --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir</code></pre>

7Chat window

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

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

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

Video consultations let you speak with a doctor from the comfort of home.

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

<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">
      Our clinic is fully accessible, with free parking right outside.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-start bg-body-tertiary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Video consultations let you speak with a doctor from the comfort of home.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Children are welcome, and our paediatric team knows how to make them smile.
    </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">Dermatology</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">news</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">update</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">routine</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">fast</a> 
</nav>

9Terms box

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

Terms of use

Book online in two minutes and see a doctor as soon as today. Lab results arrive in your patient portal, usually within 48 hours. Modern equipment means faster diagnoses and more comfortable treatment. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right.

We measure success by how many patients come back and tell their friends. Same-day appointments are available for urgent needs on weekdays. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess.

Our specialists take time to listen and explain every step of your treatment. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. Family plans cover check-ups and vaccinations for everyone under one roof.

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3 overflow-auto small bg-body-tertiary" style="height:130px">
  <h3 class="h6">Terms of use</h3>
  <p>Book online in two minutes and see a doctor as soon as today. Lab results arrive in your patient portal, usually within 48 hours. Modern equipment means faster diagnoses and more comfortable treatment. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right.</p>
  <p>We measure success by how many patients come back and tell their friends. Same-day appointments are available for urgent needs on weekdays. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess.</p>
  <p class="mb-0">Our specialists take time to listen and explain every step of your treatment. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. Family plans cover check-ups and vaccinations for everyone under one roof.</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-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">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">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.

Healthy smiles start here - We measure success by how many patients come back and tell their friends.

Oct 18, 2025

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3" style="max-width:20rem">
  <div class="overflow-hidden fw-semibold lh-sm" style="height:2.5em">
    Healthy smiles start here - We measure success by how many patients come back and tell their friends.
  </div>
  <div class="small text-body-secondary mt-1">
    Oct 18, 2025
  </div>
</div>

12Sidebar that scrolls separately

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

Modern equipment means faster diagnoses and more comfortable treatment. Thousands of patients already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that 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">
    Modern equipment means faster diagnoses and more comfortable treatment. Thousands of patients already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that 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-1758691461990-03b49d969495?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

Dental care

Health check-ups

Dental care

Doing

Lab tests

Done

General practice

<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">
      Dental care
    </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">
      Lab tests
    </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">
      General practice
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

15Overflow-x hidden

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

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

Panel partly off the edge

<div class="position-relative overflow-x-hidden border rounded-3 p-3" style="height:110px">
  <div class="small">
    Friendly reminders make sure you never miss a check-up or a dose.
  </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

Lab results arrive in your patient portal, usually within 48 hours.

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

Same-day appointments are available for urgent needs on weekdays.

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

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">
      Lab results arrive in your patient portal, usually within 48 hours.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      Children are welcome, and our paediatric team knows how to make them smile.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      Same-day appointments are available for urgent needs on weekdays.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 small">
      Our clinic is fully accessible, with free parking right outside.
    </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.

Healthcare that fits your life

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

<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">Healthcare that fits your life</h3>
  <p class="small mb-0 position-relative">Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess.</p>
</div>

19Long word handling

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

downloads/glowix-studio/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/glowix-studio/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/glowix-studio/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	29	88 GB	Email and chat	Unlimited	$41.53

<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>29</td>
        <td>88 GB</td>
        <td>Email and chat</td>
        <td>Unlimited</td>
        <td>$41.53</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>