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

Order before 2 pm and most items leave our warehouse the same day. Members get early access to new drops and prices only they can see. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.

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-lg p-2 bg-surface-3" style="height:100px">
      Order before 2 pm and most items leave our warehouse the same day. Members get early access to new drops and prices only they can see. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-6 col-md-3">
    <code>overflow-hidden</code>
    <div class="overflow-hidden border rounded-lg p-2 bg-surface-3" style="height:100px">
      Order before 2 pm and most items leave our warehouse the same day. Members get early access to new drops and prices only they can see. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-6 col-md-3">
    <code>overflow-visible</code>
    <div class="overflow-visible border rounded-lg p-2 bg-surface-3 mb-12" style="height:100px">
      Order before 2 pm and most items leave our warehouse the same day. Members get early access to new drops and prices only they can see. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-6 col-md-3">
    <code>overflow-scroll</code>
    <div class="overflow-scroll border rounded-lg p-2 bg-surface-3" style="height:100px">
      Order before 2 pm and most items leave our warehouse the same day. Members get early access to new drops and prices only they can see. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

2Horizontal scroll only

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

Secure checkout

Live order tracking

30-day returns

Loyalty rewards

Live order tracking

<div class="flex flex-nowrap gap-2 overflow-x-auto pb-2">
  <div class="border rounded-lg p-4 shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="font-semibold small">
      Secure checkout
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-lg p-4 shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="font-semibold small">
      Live order tracking
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-lg p-4 shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="font-semibold small">
      30-day returns
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-lg p-4 shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="font-semibold small">
      Loyalty rewards
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-lg p-4 shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="font-semibold small">
      Live order tracking
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

3Vertical scroll only

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

Arjun Hughes
Noah Lindqvist
Felix Haddad
Chloe Brennan
Leo Patel
Maya Duarte

<ul class="list-unstyled border rounded-lg overflow-y-auto mb-0" style="max-height:150px">
  <li class="px-4 py-2 border-b">Arjun Hughes</li>
  <li class="px-4 py-2 border-b">Noah Lindqvist</li>
  <li class="px-4 py-2 border-b">Felix Haddad</li>
  <li class="px-4 py-2 border-b">Chloe Brennan</li>
  <li class="px-4 py-2 border-b">Leo Patel</li>
  <li class="px-4 py-2">Maya Duarte</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-xl">
      <img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1441986300917-64674bd600d8?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&h=800&q=70" alt="Not clipped" class="w-full block">
      <div class="p-2 small">
        without
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-6">
    <div class="border rounded-xl 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-full 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-1293	Ella Okafor	Lisbon	Feb 15, 2026	Completed	$146.84
#ORD-1168	Kai Varga	Montreal	Jan 28, 2026	Approved	$229.58

<div class="overflow-x-auto border rounded-lg">
  <table class="table table-sm mb-0 whitespace-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-1293</td>
        <td>Ella Okafor</td>
        <td>Lisbon</td>
        <td>Feb 15, 2026</td>
        <td>Completed</td>
        <td>$146.84</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>#ORD-1168</td>
        <td>Kai Varga</td>
        <td>Montreal</td>
        <td>Jan 28, 2026</td>
        <td>Approved</td>
        <td>$229.58</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-point --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir

<pre class="overflow-x-auto bg-surface-3 border rounded-lg p-4 small mb-0"><code>npm run build -- --mode production --out-dir dist/mira-point --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir</code></pre>

7Chat window

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

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

Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves.

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

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

<div class="border rounded-xl flex flex-col" style="height:220px;max-width:22rem">
  <div class="overflow-y-auto p-4 flex flex-col gap-2 grow">
    <div class="self-start bg-surface-3 rounded-lg px-2 py-1 small">
      Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess.
    </div>
    <div class="self-end text-bg-primary rounded-lg px-2 py-1 small">
      Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves.
    </div>
    <div class="self-start bg-surface-3 rounded-lg px-2 py-1 small">
      Members get early access to new drops and prices only they can see.
    </div>
    <div class="self-end text-bg-primary rounded-lg px-2 py-1 small">
      Pay securely with card, wallet or in three interest-free instalments.
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border-t p-2">
    <label class="sr-only" 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="flex flex-nowrap gap-2 overflow-x-auto pb-1" aria-label="Categories">
  <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-primary rounded-full whitespace-nowrap">All</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-full whitespace-nowrap">Apparel</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-full whitespace-nowrap">community</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-full whitespace-nowrap">Beauty</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-full whitespace-nowrap">product</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-full whitespace-nowrap">workflow</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-full whitespace-nowrap">secure</a> 
</nav>

9Terms box

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

Terms of use

Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. We measure success by how many shoppers come back and tell their friends. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you.

Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. New pieces arrive every month, and the best ones sell out fast. Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order.

Thousands of shoppers already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right.

<div class="border rounded-lg p-4 overflow-auto small bg-surface-3" style="height:130px">
  <h3 class="h6">Terms of use</h3>
  <p>Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. We measure success by how many shoppers come back and tell their friends. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you.</p>
  <p>Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. New pieces arrive every month, and the best ones sell out fast. Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order.</p>
  <p class="mb-0">Thousands of shoppers already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right.</p>
</div>

10Visible overflow for a badge

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

overflow-hidden4

overflow-visible9

<div class="flex gap-6 pt-2">
  <div class="relative overflow-hidden border rounded-lg p-4 small">
    overflow-hidden<span class="absolute top-0 start-full -translate-x-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 badge rounded-full text-bg-danger">4</span>
  </div>
  <div class="relative overflow-visible border rounded-lg p-4 small">
    overflow-visible<span class="absolute top-0 start-full -translate-x-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 badge rounded-full 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.

Gifts they will actually keep - We work directly with makers, so prices stay fair for everyone.

Dec 3, 2025

<div class="border rounded-lg p-4" style="max-width:20rem">
  <div class="overflow-hidden font-semibold leading-tight" style="height:2.5em">
    Gifts they will actually keep - We work directly with makers, so prices stay fair for everyone.
  </div>
  <div class="small text-muted mt-1">
    Dec 3, 2025
  </div>
</div>

12Sidebar that scrolls separately

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

Each product is checked by hand before it goes into the box. Not sure about the size? Our fit guide and live chat help you choose.

<div class="flex border rounded-lg" style="height:180px">
  <nav class="overflow-y-auto border-e p-2 small shrink-0" style="width:130px" aria-label="Chapters">
    <a href="#" class="block py-1">Intro</a><a href="#" class="block py-1">Setup</a><a href="#" class="block py-1">Layout</a> <a href="#" class="block py-1">Colours</a><a href="#" class="block py-1">Forms</a><a href="#" class="block py-1">Tables</a> <a href="#" class="block py-1">Charts</a><a href="#" class="block py-1">Deploy</a> 
  </nav>
  <div class="p-4 small">
    Each product is checked by hand before it goes into the box. Not sure about the size? Our fit guide and live chat help you choose.
  </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-lg" style="height:160px;max-width:26rem">
  <img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1443884590026-2e4d21aee71c?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&h=700&q=70" alt="How we choose sustainable materials" width="900" height="394" class="block"> 
</div>

14Kanban columns

Columns side by side in overflow-x-auto, each column scrolls with overflow-y-auto.

To do

Secure checkout

Loyalty rewards

Live order tracking

Doing

Loyalty rewards

Done

Loyalty rewards

<div class="flex gap-2 overflow-x-auto pb-1">
  <div class="bg-surface-3 rounded-lg p-2 shrink-0 overflow-y-auto" style="width:170px;max-height:180px">
    <div class="small font-semibold mb-2">
      To do
    </div>
    <div class="bg-page border rounded-md p-2 small mb-2">
      Secure checkout
    </div>
    <div class="bg-page border rounded-md p-2 small mb-2">
      Loyalty rewards
    </div>
    <div class="bg-page border rounded-md p-2 small">
      Live order tracking
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="bg-surface-3 rounded-lg p-2 shrink-0 overflow-y-auto" style="width:170px;max-height:180px">
    <div class="small font-semibold mb-2">
      Doing
    </div>
    <div class="bg-page border rounded-md p-2 small">
      Loyalty rewards
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="bg-surface-3 rounded-lg p-2 shrink-0 overflow-y-auto" style="width:170px;max-height:180px">
    <div class="small font-semibold mb-2">
      Done
    </div>
    <div class="bg-page border rounded-md p-2 small">
      Loyalty rewards
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

15Overflow-x hidden

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

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

Panel partly off the edge

<div class="relative overflow-x-hidden border rounded-lg p-4" style="height:110px">
  <div class="small">
    Order before 2 pm and most items leave our warehouse the same day.
  </div>
  <div class="absolute top-0 bg-primary-subtle h-full 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-lg 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

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

Thousands of five-star reviews from customers who came back for more.

Free shipping on orders over $50 and easy returns within 30 days.

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

View all

<div class="border rounded-lg shadow-sm flex flex-col" style="max-width:20rem;height:220px">
  <div class="px-4 py-2 border-b font-semibold small">
    Notifications
  </div>
  <div class="overflow-y-auto grow">
    <div class="px-4 py-2 border-b small">
      Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.
    </div>
    <div class="px-4 py-2 border-b small">
      Thousands of five-star reviews from customers who came back for more.
    </div>
    <div class="px-4 py-2 border-b small">
      Free shipping on orders over $50 and easy returns within 30 days.
    </div>
    <div class="px-4 py-2 small">
      Our packaging is plastic-free and every delivery is carbon-neutral.
    </div>
  </div>
  <a href="#" class="px-4 py-2 border-t small text-center">View all</a> 
</div>

18Clip a decorative shape

A big circle partly outside its panel is cut off by overflow-hidden.

Designed to last, priced to love

We work directly with makers, so prices stay fair for everyone.

<div class="relative overflow-hidden text-bg-primary rounded-xl p-6">
  <div class="absolute bg-white/25 rounded-full" style="width:180px;height:180px;right:-60px;top:-60px">
  </div>
  <h3 class="h5 relative">Designed to last, priced to love</h3>
  <p class="small mb-0 relative">We work directly with makers, so prices stay fair for everyone.</p>
</div>

19Long word handling

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

downloads/mira-point/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-lg p-2 truncate">
      downloads/mira-point/assets/very-long-file-name-without-any-spaces-at-all.zip
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-sm-6">
    <div class="border rounded-lg p-2 break-words">
      downloads/mira-point/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	11	105 GB	Email and chat	Unlimited	$25.60

<div class="table-responsive border rounded-lg">
  <table class="table table-sm mb-0 whitespace-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>11</td>
        <td>105 GB</td>
        <td>Email and chat</td>
        <td>Unlimited</td>
        <td>$25.60</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>