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. Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Our menu changes with the seasons and the best produce from nearby farms. Cooking classes on Saturday mornings teach you our favourite recipes.

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. Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Our menu changes with the seasons and the best produce from nearby farms. Cooking classes on Saturday mornings teach you our favourite recipes.
    </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. Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Our menu changes with the seasons and the best produce from nearby farms. Cooking classes on Saturday mornings teach you our favourite recipes.
    </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. Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Our menu changes with the seasons and the best produce from nearby farms. Cooking classes on Saturday mornings teach you our favourite recipes.
    </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. Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Our menu changes with the seasons and the best produce from nearby farms. Cooking classes on Saturday mornings teach you our favourite recipes.
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

2Horizontal scroll only

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

Dine-in

Cooking classes

Private events

Takeaway

Private events

<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">
      Dine-in
    </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">
      Takeaway
    </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>

3Vertical scroll only

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

Mason Duarte
Priya Ortega
Freya Whitaker
Maya Fischer
Ella Delgado
Nora Okafor

<ul class="list-unstyled border rounded-3 overflow-y-auto mb-0" style="max-height:150px">
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Mason Duarte</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Priya Ortega</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Freya Whitaker</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Maya Fischer</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Ella Delgado</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2">Nora Okafor</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
#PO-7413	Isla Brennan	Barcelona	Mar 24, 2026	Shipped	$799.91
#PO-9687	Chloe Kim	Denver	Sep 25, 2025	Shipped	$838.49

<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-7413</td>
        <td>Isla Brennan</td>
        <td>Barcelona</td>
        <td>Mar 24, 2026</td>
        <td>Shipped</td>
        <td>$799.91</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>#PO-9687</td>
        <td>Chloe Kim</td>
        <td>Denver</td>
        <td>Sep 25, 2025</td>
        <td>Shipped</td>
        <td>$838.49</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/iris-hub --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/iris-hub --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir</code></pre>

7Chat window

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

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

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

Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right.

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

<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">
      We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you.
    </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 class="align-self-start bg-body-tertiary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.
    </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">Desserts</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">Desserts</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">routine</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">clear</a> 
</nav>

9Terms box

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

Terms of use

Order for pickup or delivery and enjoy the same dishes at home. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are marked clearly on every menu. Private dining rooms seat up to forty guests for birthdays and business dinners. Children are always welcome, with a menu made just for them.

Every dish is cooked to order, so tell us if you would like anything changed. Bread is baked every morning and pasta is rolled by hand in our kitchen. Our sommelier has paired each dish with wines from small family vineyards.

We measure success by how many guests come back and tell their friends. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Thousands of guests already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3 overflow-auto small bg-body-tertiary" style="height:130px">
  <h3 class="h6">Terms of use</h3>
  <p>Order for pickup or delivery and enjoy the same dishes at home. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are marked clearly on every menu. Private dining rooms seat up to forty guests for birthdays and business dinners. Children are always welcome, with a menu made just for them.</p>
  <p>Every dish is cooked to order, so tell us if you would like anything changed. Bread is baked every morning and pasta is rolled by hand in our kitchen. Our sommelier has paired each dish with wines from small family vineyards.</p>
  <p class="mb-0">We measure success by how many guests come back and tell their friends. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Thousands of guests already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.</p>
</div>

10Visible overflow for a badge

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

overflow-hidden9

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">9</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.

Cooked with care, served with a smile - We have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it.

Nov 8, 2025

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3" style="max-width:20rem">
  <div class="overflow-hidden fw-semibold lh-sm" style="height:2.5em">
    Cooked with care, served with a smile - We have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it.
  </div>
  <div class="small text-body-secondary mt-1">
    Nov 8, 2025
  </div>
</div>

12Sidebar that scrolls separately

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

We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. We have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it.

<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">
    We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. We have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it.
  </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-1494346480775-936a9f0d0877?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&h=700&q=70" alt="Five things we learned this year" 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

Doing

Takeaway

Done

Takeaway

<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">
      Private events
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small">
      Takeaway
    </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">
      Takeaway
    </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">
      Takeaway
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

15Overflow-x hidden

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

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

Panel partly off the edge

<div class="position-relative overflow-x-hidden border rounded-3 p-3" style="height:110px">
  <div class="small">
    Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
  </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.

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

<div class="overflow-y-scroll border rounded-3 p-2 small" style="height:90px">
  Our terrace is open from spring to autumn, with heaters for cooler evenings.
</div>

17Notification panel

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

Notifications

Our menu changes with the seasons and the best produce from nearby farms.

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

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

Thousands of guests 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">
      Our menu changes with the seasons and the best produce from nearby farms.
    </div>
    <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 sommelier has paired each dish with wines from small family vineyards.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 small">
      Thousands of guests 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.

Good food brings people together

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

<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">Good food brings people together</h3>
  <p class="small mb-0 position-relative">We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.</p>
</div>

19Long word handling

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

downloads/iris-hub/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/iris-hub/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/iris-hub/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	14	430 GB	Email and chat	Unlimited	$23.64

<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>14</td>
        <td>430 GB</td>
        <td>Email and chat</td>
        <td>Unlimited</td>
        <td>$23.64</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>