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

Learn on your schedule, with lessons that fit into a lunch break. Study groups and a friendly forum keep you motivated along the way. Try the first lesson of any course for free before you decide. The mobile app downloads lessons, so you can learn on the train.

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">
      Learn on your schedule, with lessons that fit into a lunch break. Study groups and a friendly forum keep you motivated along the way. Try the first lesson of any course for free before you decide. The mobile app downloads lessons, so you can learn on the train.
    </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">
      Learn on your schedule, with lessons that fit into a lunch break. Study groups and a friendly forum keep you motivated along the way. Try the first lesson of any course for free before you decide. The mobile app downloads lessons, so you can learn on the train.
    </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">
      Learn on your schedule, with lessons that fit into a lunch break. Study groups and a friendly forum keep you motivated along the way. Try the first lesson of any course for free before you decide. The mobile app downloads lessons, so you can learn on the train.
    </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">
      Learn on your schedule, with lessons that fit into a lunch break. Study groups and a friendly forum keep you motivated along the way. Try the first lesson of any course for free before you decide. The mobile app downloads lessons, so you can learn on the train.
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

2Horizontal scroll only

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

Online courses

Mentoring

Live workshops

Online courses

<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">
      Online courses
    </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">
      Live workshops
    </div>
  </div>
  <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">
      Online courses
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

3Vertical scroll only

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

Freya Moreau
Lea Quinn
Mason Ibrahim
Nora Alvarez
Aria Delgado
Mateo 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">Freya Moreau</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Lea Quinn</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Mason Ibrahim</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Nora Alvarez</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Aria Delgado</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2">Mateo 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-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
#INV-3047	Zoe Larsen	Montreal	Feb 2, 2026	Shipped	$474.97
#PO-4268	Arjun Silva	Vancouver	Oct 3, 2026	Completed	$32.06

<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-3047</td>
        <td>Zoe Larsen</td>
        <td>Montreal</td>
        <td>Feb 2, 2026</td>
        <td>Shipped</td>
        <td>$474.97</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>#PO-4268</td>
        <td>Arjun Silva</td>
        <td>Vancouver</td>
        <td>Oct 3, 2026</td>
        <td>Completed</td>
        <td>$32.06</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/novaera --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/novaera --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir</code></pre>

7Chat window

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

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

Mentors review your projects and give feedback within two days.

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

Lifetime access means you can revisit lessons whenever you need a refresher.

<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 keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Mentors review your projects and give feedback within two days.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-start bg-body-tertiary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Earn a certificate at the end of each course and share it with employers.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Lifetime access means you can revisit lessons whenever you need a refresher.
    </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">Design</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">guide</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">Lifestyle</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">update</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">simple</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. Short quizzes after each lesson help new knowledge stick. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.

Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Career coaches help with your CV, portfolio and interview practice. Every course is built around hands-on projects you can add to your portfolio.

Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Instructors are working professionals who teach what they use every day. Guided learning paths take you from beginner to job-ready step by step.

<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. Short quizzes after each lesson help new knowledge stick. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.</p>
  <p>Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Career coaches help with your CV, portfolio and interview practice. Every course is built around hands-on projects you can add to your portfolio.</p>
  <p class="mb-0">Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Instructors are working professionals who teach what they use every day. Guided learning paths take you from beginner to job-ready step by step.</p>
</div>

10Visible overflow for a badge

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

overflow-hidden7

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">7</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.

Learn new skills at your own pace - We measure success by how many students come back and tell their friends.

Dec 31, 2025

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3" style="max-width:20rem">
  <div class="overflow-hidden fw-semibold lh-sm" style="height:2.5em">
    Learn new skills at your own pace - We measure success by how many students come back and tell their friends.
  </div>
  <div class="small text-body-secondary mt-1">
    Dec 31, 2025
  </div>
</div>

12Sidebar that scrolls separately

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

Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.

<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 team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.
  </div>
</div>

13Image pan area

A large image in an overflow-auto box can be scrolled in both directions.

What employers look for in junior analysts

<div class="overflow-auto border rounded-3" style="height:160px;max-width:26rem">
  <img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1596247290824-e9f12b8c574f?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&h=700&q=70" alt="What employers look for in junior analysts" 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

Certificates

Career coaching

Mentoring

Doing

Mentoring

Done

Live workshops

<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">
      Certificates
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small mb-2">
      Career coaching
    </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">
      Live workshops
    </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.

Short quizzes after each lesson help new knowledge stick.

<div class="overflow-y-scroll border rounded-3 p-2 small" style="height:90px">
  Short quizzes after each lesson help new knowledge stick.
</div>

17Notification panel

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

Notifications

Mentors review your projects and give feedback within two days.

Guided learning paths take you from beginner to job-ready step by step.

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

Study groups and a friendly forum keep you motivated along the way.

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">
      Mentors review your projects and give feedback within two days.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      Guided learning paths take you from beginner to job-ready step by step.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      Thousands of students already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 small">
      Study groups and a friendly forum keep you motivated along the way.
    </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.

Grow your career one lesson at a time

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

<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">Grow your career one lesson at a time</h3>
  <p class="small mb-0 position-relative">Learn on your schedule, with lessons that fit into a lunch break.</p>
</div>

19Long word handling

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

downloads/novaera/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/novaera/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/novaera/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	9	490 GB	Email and chat	Unlimited	$87.78

<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>9</td>
        <td>490 GB</td>
        <td>Email and chat</td>
        <td>Unlimited</td>
        <td>$87.78</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>