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

Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Thousands of attendees already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. Every session is recorded, so you can catch up on anything you missed. The venue is a short walk from the station and fully accessible.

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">
      Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Thousands of attendees already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. Every session is recorded, so you can catch up on anything you missed. The venue is a short walk from the station and fully accessible.
    </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">
      Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Thousands of attendees already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. Every session is recorded, so you can catch up on anything you missed. The venue is a short walk from the station and fully accessible.
    </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">
      Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Thousands of attendees already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. Every session is recorded, so you can catch up on anything you missed. The venue is a short walk from the station and fully accessible.
    </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">
      Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Thousands of attendees already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. Every session is recorded, so you can catch up on anything you missed. The venue is a short walk from the station and fully accessible.
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

2Horizontal scroll only

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

Networking app

Speaker management

Live streaming

Speaker management

Venue booking

<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">
      Networking app
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Speaker management
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Live streaming
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Speaker management
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Venue booking
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

3Vertical scroll only

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

Ruby Larsen
Leo Brennan
Ella Whitaker
Zoe Alvarez
Tariq Silva
Kai Kim

<ul class="list-unstyled border rounded-3 overflow-y-auto mb-0" style="max-height:150px">
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Ruby Larsen</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Leo Brennan</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Ella Whitaker</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Zoe Alvarez</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Tariq Silva</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2">Kai Kim</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-1773828755374-0ee802d9f44b?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-1773829020694-413e879d2957?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-1736	Luna Harlow	Melbourne	Mar 7, 2026	Completed	$592.28
#PO-7215	Liam Hughes	Lisbon	Aug 8, 2026	Cancelled	$409.04

<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-1736</td>
        <td>Luna Harlow</td>
        <td>Melbourne</td>
        <td>Mar 7, 2026</td>
        <td>Completed</td>
        <td>$592.28</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>#PO-7215</td>
        <td>Liam Hughes</td>
        <td>Lisbon</td>
        <td>Aug 8, 2026</td>
        <td>Cancelled</td>
        <td>$409.04</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/novaium-flow --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/novaium-flow --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir</code></pre>

7Chat window

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

Early bird tickets save you up to forty percent until the end of the month.

Every attendee receives a certificate of participation.

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 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">
      Early bird tickets save you up to forty percent until the end of the month.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Every attendee receives a certificate of participation.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-start bg-body-tertiary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
    </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">Meetup</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">Panel</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">how-to</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">routine</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

Virtual passes let you join the main stage live from anywhere. Sponsors meet decision-makers in a relaxed, friendly setting. Thousands of attendees already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.

The venue is a short walk from the station and fully accessible. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. Early bird tickets save you up to forty percent until the end of the month. Workshops are limited to thirty seats, so everyone gets hands-on time.

Every session is recorded, so you can catch up on anything you missed. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. 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>Virtual passes let you join the main stage live from anywhere. Sponsors meet decision-makers in a relaxed, friendly setting. Thousands of attendees already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.</p>
  <p>The venue is a short walk from the station and fully accessible. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. Early bird tickets save you up to forty percent until the end of the month. Workshops are limited to thirty seats, so everyone gets hands-on time.</p>
  <p class="mb-0">Every session is recorded, so you can catch up on anything you missed. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. 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-hidden2

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">2</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.

Three days that change how you work - We measure success by how many attendees come back and tell their friends.

Nov 5, 2025

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3" style="max-width:20rem">
  <div class="overflow-hidden fw-semibold lh-sm" style="height:2.5em">
    Three days that change how you work - We measure success by how many attendees come back and tell their friends.
  </div>
  <div class="small text-body-secondary mt-1">
    Nov 5, 2025
  </div>
</div>

12Sidebar that scrolls separately

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

Our evening party is the best place to turn talks into friendships. Every attendee receives a certificate of participation.

<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 evening party is the best place to turn talks into friendships. Every attendee receives a certificate of participation.
  </div>
</div>

13Image pan area

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

The small habits that make a big difference

<div class="overflow-auto border rounded-3" style="height:160px;max-width:26rem">
  <img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1560523159-94c9d18bcf27?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&h=700&q=70" alt="The small habits that make a big difference" 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

Networking app

Speaker management

Doing

Networking app

Done

Sponsorship

<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">
      Networking app
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small mb-2">
      Networking app
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small">
      Speaker management
    </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">
      Networking app
    </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">
      Sponsorship
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

15Overflow-x hidden

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

Three days of keynotes, hands-on workshops and evening meetups.

Panel partly off the edge

<div class="position-relative overflow-x-hidden border rounded-3 p-3" style="height:110px">
  <div class="small">
    Three days of keynotes, hands-on workshops and evening meetups.
  </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 team has done this many times, so you never have to guess.

<div class="overflow-y-scroll border rounded-3 p-2 small" style="height:90px">
  Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess.
</div>

17Notification panel

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

Notifications

Group tickets include a private meeting room for your team.

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

The networking app helps you meet the right people before you arrive.

Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.

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">
      Group tickets include a private meeting room for your team.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      The networking app helps you meet the right people before you arrive.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 small">
      Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
    </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.

Ideas on stage, connections everywhere

Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right.

<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">Ideas on stage, connections everywhere</h3>
  <p class="small mb-0 position-relative">Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right.</p>
</div>

19Long word handling

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

downloads/novaium-flow/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/novaium-flow/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/novaium-flow/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	46	63 GB	Email and chat	Unlimited	$58.51

<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>46</td>
        <td>63 GB</td>
        <td>Email and chat</td>
        <td>Unlimited</td>
        <td>$58.51</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>