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

Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Each product is checked by hand before it goes into the box.

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">
      Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Each product is checked by hand before it goes into the box.
    </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">
      Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Each product is checked by hand before it goes into the box.
    </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">
      Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Each product is checked by hand before it goes into the box.
    </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">
      Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Each product is checked by hand before it goes into the box.
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

2Horizontal scroll only

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

Loyalty rewards

Live order tracking

Loyalty rewards

Free shipping

<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">
      Loyalty rewards
    </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 class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Live order tracking
    </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 class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Free shipping
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

3Vertical scroll only

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

Finn Moreau
Felix Kim
Diego Haddad
Owen Rossi
Luna Novak
Nadia Brennan

<ul class="list-unstyled border rounded-3 overflow-y-auto mb-0" style="max-height:150px">
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Finn Moreau</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Felix Kim</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Diego Haddad</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Owen Rossi</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Luna Novak</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2">Nadia Brennan</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
#TX-2376	Ivy Tanaka	Copenhagen	Aug 1, 2026	Completed	$25.10
#INV-1509	Lucas Quinn	Edinburgh	Aug 22, 2026	On hold	$897.87

<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-2376</td>
        <td>Ivy Tanaka</td>
        <td>Copenhagen</td>
        <td>Aug 1, 2026</td>
        <td>Completed</td>
        <td>$25.10</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>#INV-1509</td>
        <td>Lucas Quinn</td>
        <td>Edinburgh</td>
        <td>Aug 22, 2026</td>
        <td>On hold</td>
        <td>$897.87</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/mira-deck --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/mira-deck --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir</code></pre>

7Chat window

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

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

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

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

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

<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 measure success by how many shoppers come back and tell their friends.
    </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">
      Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Order before 2 pm and most items leave our warehouse the same day.
    </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">Outdoor</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">insights</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">Outdoor</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">workflow</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">smart</a> 
</nav>

9Terms box

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

Terms of use

Thousands of five-star reviews from customers who came back for more. Members get early access to new drops and prices only they can see. We work directly with makers, so prices stay fair for everyone.

Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Free shipping on orders over $50 and easy returns within 30 days. New pieces arrive every month, and the best ones sell out fast.

Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Pay securely with card, wallet or in three interest-free instalments. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you.

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3 overflow-auto small bg-body-tertiary" style="height:130px">
  <h3 class="h6">Terms of use</h3>
  <p>Thousands of five-star reviews from customers who came back for more. Members get early access to new drops and prices only they can see. We work directly with makers, so prices stay fair for everyone.</p>
  <p>Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Free shipping on orders over $50 and easy returns within 30 days. New pieces arrive every month, and the best ones sell out fast.</p>
  <p class="mb-0">Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Pay securely with card, wallet or in three interest-free instalments. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you.</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-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">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">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.

Small batches, big on quality - New pieces arrive every month, and the best ones sell out fast.

May 25, 2026

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3" style="max-width:20rem">
  <div class="overflow-hidden fw-semibold lh-sm" style="height:2.5em">
    Small batches, big on quality - New pieces arrive every month, and the best ones sell out fast.
  </div>
  <div class="small text-body-secondary mt-1">
    May 25, 2026
  </div>
</div>

12Sidebar that scrolls separately

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

Thousands of shoppers already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. We work directly with makers, so prices stay fair for everyone.

<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">
    Thousands of shoppers already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. We work directly with makers, so prices stay fair for everyone.
  </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-1598305762558-328f599df683?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

Loyalty rewards

Gift wrapping

Doing

Loyalty rewards

Done

Secure checkout

<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">
      Loyalty rewards
    </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">
      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">
      Doing
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small">
      Loyalty rewards
    </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">
      Secure checkout
    </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.

Our packaging is plastic-free and every delivery is carbon-neutral.

<div class="overflow-y-scroll border rounded-3 p-2 small" style="height:90px">
  Our packaging is plastic-free and every delivery is carbon-neutral.
</div>

17Notification panel

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

Notifications

Members get early access to new drops and prices only they can see.

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

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

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

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">
      Members get early access to new drops and prices only they can see.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 small">
      Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.
    </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.

The new collection has landed

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

<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">The new collection has landed</h3>
  <p class="small mb-0 position-relative">Pay securely with card, wallet or in three interest-free instalments.</p>
</div>

19Long word handling

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

downloads/mira-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/mira-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/mira-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	10	129 GB	Email and chat	Unlimited	$65.72

<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>10</td>
        <td>129 GB</td>
        <td>Email and chat</td>
        <td>Unlimited</td>
        <td>$65.72</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>