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 have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it. Our terrace is open from spring to autumn, with heaters for cooler evenings. Children are always welcome, with a menu made just for them. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.

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 have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it. Our terrace is open from spring to autumn, with heaters for cooler evenings. Children are always welcome, with a menu made just for them. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.
    </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 have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it. Our terrace is open from spring to autumn, with heaters for cooler evenings. Children are always welcome, with a menu made just for them. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.
    </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 have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it. Our terrace is open from spring to autumn, with heaters for cooler evenings. Children are always welcome, with a menu made just for them. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.
    </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 have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it. Our terrace is open from spring to autumn, with heaters for cooler evenings. Children are always welcome, with a menu made just for them. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

2Horizontal scroll only

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

Catering

Private events

Takeaway

Dine-in

<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">
      Catering
    </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">
      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">
      Dine-in
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

3Vertical scroll only

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

Sofia Silva
Ravi Lindqvist
Samir Brennan
Kai Haddad
Tariq Moreau
Maya Fischer

<ul class="list-unstyled border rounded-3 overflow-y-auto mb-0" style="max-height:150px">
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Sofia Silva</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Ravi Lindqvist</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Samir Brennan</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Kai Haddad</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Tariq Moreau</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2">Maya Fischer</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
#INV-9570	Elena Sato	Copenhagen	Sep 22, 2026	Shipped	$113.10
#TX-8695	Ella Whitaker	Toronto	Jun 28, 2026	Shipped	$73.31

<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-9570</td>
        <td>Elena Sato</td>
        <td>Copenhagen</td>
        <td>Sep 22, 2026</td>
        <td>Shipped</td>
        <td>$113.10</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>#TX-8695</td>
        <td>Ella Whitaker</td>
        <td>Toronto</td>
        <td>Jun 28, 2026</td>
        <td>Shipped</td>
        <td>$73.31</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/lyraia --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/lyraia --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir</code></pre>

7Chat window

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

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

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

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

Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are marked clearly on every menu.

<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 sommelier has paired each dish with wines from small family vineyards.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess.
    </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">
      Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are marked clearly on every menu.
    </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">Drinks</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">Specials</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">product</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">journey</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">flexible</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. Private dining rooms seat up to forty guests for birthdays and business dinners. Our terrace is open from spring to autumn, with heaters for cooler evenings.

We measure success by how many guests come back and tell their friends. Private dining rooms seat up to forty guests for birthdays and business dinners. Book a table online in seconds, or call us for groups of eight or more.

Every dish is cooked to order, so tell us if you would like anything changed. Our menu changes with the seasons and the best produce from nearby farms. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.

<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. Private dining rooms seat up to forty guests for birthdays and business dinners. Our terrace is open from spring to autumn, with heaters for cooler evenings.</p>
  <p>We measure success by how many guests come back and tell their friends. Private dining rooms seat up to forty guests for birthdays and business dinners. Book a table online in seconds, or call us for groups of eight or more.</p>
  <p class="mb-0">Every dish is cooked to order, so tell us if you would like anything changed. Our menu changes with the seasons and the best produce from nearby farms. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.</p>
</div>

10Visible overflow for a badge

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

overflow-hidden6

overflow-visible6

<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">6</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">6</span>
  </div>
</div>

11Hidden overflow for a cropped title

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

A table for every occasion - Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are marked clearly on every menu.

Dec 29, 2025

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3" style="max-width:20rem">
  <div class="overflow-hidden fw-semibold lh-sm" style="height:2.5em">
    A table for every occasion - Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are marked clearly on every menu.
  </div>
  <div class="small text-body-secondary mt-1">
    Dec 29, 2025
  </div>
</div>

12Sidebar that scrolls separately

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

Our sommelier has paired each dish with wines from small family vineyards. Order for pickup or delivery and enjoy the same dishes at home.

<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 sommelier has paired each dish with wines from small family vineyards. Order for pickup or delivery and enjoy the same dishes at home.
  </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-1625862692743-3f57873bb37c?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&h=700&q=70" alt="What our guests asked us most" 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

Takeaway

Wine pairing

Catering

Doing

Cooking classes

Done

Dine-in

<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">
      Takeaway
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small mb-2">
      Wine pairing
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small">
      Catering
    </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">
      Cooking classes
    </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">
      Dine-in
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

15Overflow-x hidden

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

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

Panel partly off the edge

<div class="position-relative overflow-x-hidden border rounded-3 p-3" style="height:110px">
  <div class="small">
    Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right.
  </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.

Children are always welcome, with a menu made just for them.

<div class="overflow-y-scroll border rounded-3 p-2 small" style="height:90px">
  Children are always welcome, with a menu made just for them.
</div>

17Notification panel

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

Notifications

We have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it.

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

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.

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">
      We have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it.
    </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">
      Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 small">
      Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess.
    </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.

Fresh flavours, made every day

Bread is baked every morning and pasta is rolled by hand in our kitchen.

<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">Fresh flavours, made every day</h3>
  <p class="small mb-0 position-relative">Bread is baked every morning and pasta is rolled by hand in our kitchen.</p>
</div>

19Long word handling

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

downloads/lyraia/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/lyraia/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/lyraia/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	37	302 GB	Email and chat	Unlimited	$24.91

<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>37</td>
        <td>302 GB</td>
        <td>Email and chat</td>
        <td>Unlimited</td>
        <td>$24.91</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>