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

Free cancellation on most stays means you can book now and decide later. Every hotel on our list is visited and reviewed by our own travel team. Travel insurance and car rental can be added in a single click. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.

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">
      Free cancellation on most stays means you can book now and decide later. Every hotel on our list is visited and reviewed by our own travel team. Travel insurance and car rental can be added in a single click. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.
    </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">
      Free cancellation on most stays means you can book now and decide later. Every hotel on our list is visited and reviewed by our own travel team. Travel insurance and car rental can be added in a single click. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.
    </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">
      Free cancellation on most stays means you can book now and decide later. Every hotel on our list is visited and reviewed by our own travel team. Travel insurance and car rental can be added in a single click. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.
    </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">
      Free cancellation on most stays means you can book now and decide later. Every hotel on our list is visited and reviewed by our own travel team. Travel insurance and car rental can be added in a single click. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

2Horizontal scroll only

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

Car rental

Hotel booking

Airport transfers

<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">
      Car rental
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Hotel booking
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Hotel booking
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Airport transfers
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Airport transfers
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

3Vertical scroll only

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

Liam Kowalski
Priya Novak
Lea Delgado
Amara Silva
Nadia Carter
Hana Larsen

<ul class="list-unstyled border rounded-3 overflow-y-auto mb-0" style="max-height:150px">
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Liam Kowalski</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Priya Novak</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Lea Delgado</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Amara Silva</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Nadia Carter</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2">Hana Larsen</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-1614088459293-5669fadc3448?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-1783443076547-fb9cb67224a0?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
#ORD-6935	Ethan Patel	Lisbon	May 21, 2026	Cancelled	$313.25
#TX-5944	Ella Brennan	Lisbon	May 4, 2026	Completed	$180.72

<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>#ORD-6935</td>
        <td>Ethan Patel</td>
        <td>Lisbon</td>
        <td>May 21, 2026</td>
        <td>Cancelled</td>
        <td>$313.25</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>#TX-5944</td>
        <td>Ella Brennan</td>
        <td>Lisbon</td>
        <td>May 4, 2026</td>
        <td>Completed</td>
        <td>$180.72</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 --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir

<pre v-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 --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir</code></pre>

7Chat window

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

We find the best price, and if you see it cheaper we match it.

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

Airport transfers, tours and dinners are arranged before you arrive.

Our travel experts are on call around the clock while you are away.

<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 find the best price, and if you see it cheaper we match it.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      We measure success by how many travellers come back and tell their friends.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-start bg-body-tertiary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Airport transfers, tours and dinners are arranged before you arrive.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Our travel experts are on call around the clock while you are away.
    </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">City</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">release</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">Beach</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">story</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">reliable</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. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. From city breaks to safaris, we plan trips around how you like to travel. Family rooms, adults-only retreats and pet-friendly stays in one search.

Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Local guides show you the places that never make it into guidebooks. Every trip supports local businesses and responsible tourism.

Flexible dates help you find quieter weeks and better prices. Our travel experts are on call around the clock while you are away. Every hotel on our list is visited and reviewed by our own travel team.

<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. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. From city breaks to safaris, we plan trips around how you like to travel. Family rooms, adults-only retreats and pet-friendly stays in one search.</p>
  <p>Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Local guides show you the places that never make it into guidebooks. Every trip supports local businesses and responsible tourism.</p>
  <p class="mb-0">Flexible dates help you find quieter weeks and better prices. Our travel experts are on call around the clock while you are away. Every hotel on our list is visited and reviewed by our own travel team.</p>
</div>

10Visible overflow for a badge

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

overflow-hidden5

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">5</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.

The world is waiting for you - Travel insurance and car rental can be added in a single click.

Mar 14, 2026

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3" style="max-width:20rem">
  <div class="overflow-hidden fw-semibold lh-sm" style="height:2.5em">
    The world is waiting for you - Travel insurance and car rental can be added in a single click.
  </div>
  <div class="small text-body-secondary mt-1">
    Mar 14, 2026
  </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. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right.

<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. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right.
  </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-1605130284535-11dd9eedc58a?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&h=700&q=70" alt="Looking back at a busy season" 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

Travel insurance

Airport transfers

Car rental

Doing

Car rental

Done

Guided tours

<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">
      Travel insurance
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small mb-2">
      Airport transfers
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small">
      Car rental
    </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">
      Car rental
    </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">
      Guided tours
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

15Overflow-x hidden

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

Family rooms, adults-only retreats and pet-friendly stays in one search.

Panel partly off the edge

<div class="position-relative overflow-x-hidden border rounded-3 p-3" style="height:110px">
  <div class="small">
    Family rooms, adults-only retreats and pet-friendly stays in one search.
  </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.

Members get room upgrades and late check-out at selected hotels.

<div class="overflow-y-scroll border rounded-3 p-2 small" style="height:90px">
  Members get room upgrades and late check-out at selected hotels.
</div>

17Notification panel

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

Notifications

Every trip supports local businesses and responsible tourism.

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

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

From city breaks to safaris, we plan trips around how you like to travel.

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 trip supports local businesses and responsible tourism.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      We measure success by how many travellers come back and tell their friends.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      Thousands of travellers already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 small">
      From city breaks to safaris, we plan trips around how you like to travel.
    </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.

Pack your bags, we will do the rest

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

<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">Pack your bags, we will do the rest</h3>
  <p class="small mb-0 position-relative">Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess.</p>
</div>

19Long word handling

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

downloads/nimbus/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/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/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	50	276 GB	Email and chat	Unlimited	$51.38

<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>50</td>
        <td>276 GB</td>
        <td>Email and chat</td>
        <td>Unlimited</td>
        <td>$51.38</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>