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

Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Lifetime access means you can revisit lessons whenever you need a refresher. Study groups and a friendly forum keep you motivated along the way. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you.

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">
      Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Lifetime access means you can revisit lessons whenever you need a refresher. Study groups and a friendly forum keep you motivated along the way. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you.
    </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">
      Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Lifetime access means you can revisit lessons whenever you need a refresher. Study groups and a friendly forum keep you motivated along the way. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you.
    </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">
      Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Lifetime access means you can revisit lessons whenever you need a refresher. Study groups and a friendly forum keep you motivated along the way. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you.
    </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">
      Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Lifetime access means you can revisit lessons whenever you need a refresher. Study groups and a friendly forum keep you motivated along the way. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you.
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

2Horizontal scroll only

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

Live workshops

Career coaching

Study groups

Mentoring

<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">
      Live workshops
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Career coaching
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Study groups
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Mentoring
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Mentoring
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

3Vertical scroll only

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

Mateo Haddad
Priya Quinn
Liam Kim
Finn Ibrahim
Maya Fischer
Tariq Ortega

<ul class="list-unstyled border rounded-3 overflow-y-auto mb-0" style="max-height:150px">
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Mateo Haddad</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Priya Quinn</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Liam Kim</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Finn Ibrahim</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Maya Fischer</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2">Tariq Ortega</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-1758270705290-62b6294dd044?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-1516321497487-e288fb19713f?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-8718	Lea Patel	Copenhagen	Feb 26, 2026	Approved	$612.50
#INV-7611	Ella Sato	Prague	Sep 11, 2025	Completed	$547.84

<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-8718</td>
        <td>Lea Patel</td>
        <td>Copenhagen</td>
        <td>Feb 26, 2026</td>
        <td>Approved</td>
        <td>$612.50</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>#INV-7611</td>
        <td>Ella Sato</td>
        <td>Prague</td>
        <td>Sep 11, 2025</td>
        <td>Completed</td>
        <td>$547.84</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/nimbus-labs --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/nimbus-labs --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir</code></pre>

7Chat window

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

Every course is built around hands-on projects you can add to your portfolio.

Thousands of students already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.

Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.

The mobile app downloads lessons, so you can learn on the train.

<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">
      Every course is built around hands-on projects you can add to your portfolio.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Thousands of students already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-start bg-body-tertiary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      The mobile app downloads lessons, so you can learn on the train.
    </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">Marketing</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">Design</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">case study</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">goal</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

Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Instructors are working professionals who teach what they use every day. Study groups and a friendly forum keep you motivated along the way. Short quizzes after each lesson help new knowledge stick.

The mobile app downloads lessons, so you can learn on the train. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. Career coaches help with your CV, portfolio and interview practice.

Guided learning paths take you from beginner to job-ready step by step. Lifetime access means you can revisit lessons whenever you need a refresher. 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-3 p-3 overflow-auto small bg-body-tertiary" style="height:130px">
  <h3 class="h6">Terms of use</h3>
  <p>Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Instructors are working professionals who teach what they use every day. Study groups and a friendly forum keep you motivated along the way. Short quizzes after each lesson help new knowledge stick.</p>
  <p>The mobile app downloads lessons, so you can learn on the train. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. Career coaches help with your CV, portfolio and interview practice.</p>
  <p class="mb-0">Guided learning paths take you from beginner to job-ready step by step. Lifetime access means you can revisit lessons whenever you need a refresher. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.</p>
</div>

10Visible overflow for a badge

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

overflow-hidden8

overflow-visible9

<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">8</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">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.

Short courses, real results - Try the first lesson of any course for free before you decide.

Oct 13, 2026

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3" style="max-width:20rem">
  <div class="overflow-hidden fw-semibold lh-sm" style="height:2.5em">
    Short courses, real results - Try the first lesson of any course for free before you decide.
  </div>
  <div class="small text-body-secondary mt-1">
    Oct 13, 2026
  </div>
</div>

12Sidebar that scrolls separately

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

Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.

<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">
    Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.
  </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-1620829813573-7c9e1877706f?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&h=700&q=70" alt="Our favourite tips for busy weeks" 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

Live workshops

Online courses

Mentoring

Doing

Mentoring

Done

Online courses

<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">
      Live workshops
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small mb-2">
      Online courses
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small">
      Mentoring
    </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">
      Mentoring
    </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">
      Online courses
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

15Overflow-x hidden

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

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

Panel partly off the edge

<div class="position-relative overflow-x-hidden border rounded-3 p-3" style="height:110px">
  <div class="small">
    We measure success by how many students come back and tell their friends.
  </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.

Mentors review your projects and give feedback within two days.

<div class="overflow-y-scroll border rounded-3 p-2 small" style="height:90px">
  Mentors review your projects and give feedback within two days.
</div>

17Notification panel

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

Notifications

Every course is built around hands-on projects you can add to your portfolio.

Learn on your schedule, with lessons that fit into a lunch break.

Earn a certificate at the end of each course and share it with employers.

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">
      Every course is built around hands-on projects you can add to your portfolio.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      Learn on your schedule, with lessons that fit into a lunch break.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      Earn a certificate at the end of each course and share it with employers.
    </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.

Learn from people who do the job

Thousands of students already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.

<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">Learn from people who do the job</h3>
  <p class="small mb-0 position-relative">Thousands of students already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.</p>
</div>

19Long word handling

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

downloads/nimbus-labs/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/nimbus-labs/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/nimbus-labs/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	38	77 GB	Email and chat	Unlimited	$45.97

<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>38</td>
        <td>77 GB</td>
        <td>Email and chat</td>
        <td>Unlimited</td>
        <td>$45.97</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>