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

Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order. Order before 2 pm and most items leave our warehouse the same day. Our packaging is plastic-free and every delivery is carbon-neutral. Thousands of five-star reviews from customers who came back for more.

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">
      Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order. Order before 2 pm and most items leave our warehouse the same day. Our packaging is plastic-free and every delivery is carbon-neutral. Thousands of five-star reviews from customers who came back for more.
    </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">
      Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order. Order before 2 pm and most items leave our warehouse the same day. Our packaging is plastic-free and every delivery is carbon-neutral. Thousands of five-star reviews from customers who came back for more.
    </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">
      Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order. Order before 2 pm and most items leave our warehouse the same day. Our packaging is plastic-free and every delivery is carbon-neutral. Thousands of five-star reviews from customers who came back for more.
    </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">
      Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order. Order before 2 pm and most items leave our warehouse the same day. Our packaging is plastic-free and every delivery is carbon-neutral. Thousands of five-star reviews from customers who came back for more.
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

2Horizontal scroll only

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

Free shipping

30-day returns

Gift wrapping

Live order tracking

<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">
      Free shipping
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      30-day returns
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Gift wrapping
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Live order tracking
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Live order tracking
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

3Vertical scroll only

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

Samir Hughes
Isla Novak
Priya Quinn
Mia Ortega
Omar Haddad
Finn Mensah

<ul class="list-unstyled border rounded-3 overflow-y-auto mb-0" style="max-height:150px">
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Samir Hughes</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Isla Novak</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Priya Quinn</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Mia Ortega</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Omar Haddad</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2">Finn Mensah</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-1441986300917-64674bd600d8?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-1441984904996-e0b6ba687e04?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-4396	Ivy Moreau	Lisbon	Sep 24, 2026	Active	$132.38
#TX-9517	Ruby Ibrahim	Montreal	Aug 4, 2026	On hold	$784.53

<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-4396</td>
        <td>Ivy Moreau</td>
        <td>Lisbon</td>
        <td>Sep 24, 2026</td>
        <td>Active</td>
        <td>$132.38</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>#TX-9517</td>
        <td>Ruby Ibrahim</td>
        <td>Montreal</td>
        <td>Aug 4, 2026</td>
        <td>On hold</td>
        <td>$784.53</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/novao-hub --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/novao-hub --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir</code></pre>

7Chat window

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

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

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

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.

<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">
      Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      We measure success by how many shoppers come back and tell their friends.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-start bg-body-tertiary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Members get early access to new drops and prices only they can see.
    </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">Beauty</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">tutorial</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">Home</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">idea</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

Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Pay securely with card, wallet or in three interest-free instalments.

Thousands of shoppers already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order. Each product is checked by hand before it goes into the box. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.

Order before 2 pm and most items leave our warehouse the same day. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. We work directly with makers, so prices stay fair for everyone.

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3 overflow-auto small bg-body-tertiary" style="height:130px">
  <h3 class="h6">Terms of use</h3>
  <p>Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Pay securely with card, wallet or in three interest-free instalments.</p>
  <p>Thousands of shoppers already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order. Each product is checked by hand before it goes into the box. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.</p>
  <p class="mb-0">Order before 2 pm and most items leave our warehouse the same day. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. We work directly with makers, so prices stay fair for everyone.</p>
</div>

10Visible overflow for a badge

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

overflow-hidden3

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">3</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.

Thoughtful goods for a simpler home - Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess.

Apr 19, 2026

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3" style="max-width:20rem">
  <div class="overflow-hidden fw-semibold lh-sm" style="height:2.5em">
    Thoughtful goods for a simpler home - Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess.
  </div>
  <div class="small text-body-secondary mt-1">
    Apr 19, 2026
  </div>
</div>

12Sidebar that scrolls separately

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

Pay securely with card, wallet or in three interest-free instalments. Our packaging is plastic-free and every delivery is carbon-neutral.

<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">
    Pay securely with card, wallet or in three interest-free instalments. Our packaging is plastic-free and every delivery is carbon-neutral.
  </div>
</div>

13Image pan area

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

A three-step skincare routine that works

<div class="overflow-auto border rounded-3" style="height:160px;max-width:26rem">
  <img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1567958451986-2de427a4a0be?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&h=700&q=70" alt="A three-step skincare routine that works" 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

Gift wrapping

Loyalty rewards

30-day returns

Doing

Secure checkout

Done

30-day returns

<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">
      Gift wrapping
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small mb-2">
      Loyalty rewards
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small">
      30-day returns
    </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">
      Secure checkout
    </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">
      30-day returns
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

15Overflow-x hidden

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

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

Panel partly off the edge

<div class="position-relative overflow-x-hidden border rounded-3 p-3" style="height:110px">
  <div class="small">
    Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.
  </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.

We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.

<div class="overflow-y-scroll border rounded-3 p-2 small" style="height:90px">
  We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.
</div>

17Notification panel

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

Notifications

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

Not sure about the size? Our fit guide and live chat help you choose.

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

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

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">
      Thousands of shoppers already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      Not sure about the size? Our fit guide and live chat help you choose.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      We measure success by how many shoppers come back and tell their friends.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 small">
      Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves.
    </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.

Style that works as hard as you do

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

<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">Style that works as hard as you do</h3>
  <p class="small mb-0 position-relative">We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you.</p>
</div>

19Long word handling

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

downloads/novao-hub/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/novao-hub/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/novao-hub/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	27	183 GB	Email and chat	Unlimited	$49.83

<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>27</td>
        <td>183 GB</td>
        <td>Email and chat</td>
        <td>Unlimited</td>
        <td>$49.83</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>