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

Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Thousands of five-star reviews from customers who came back for more. Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order. We measure success by how many shoppers come back and tell their friends.

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-lg p-2 bg-surface-3" style="height:100px">
      Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Thousands of five-star reviews from customers who came back for more. Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order. We measure success by how many shoppers come back and tell their friends.
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-6 col-md-3">
    <code>overflow-hidden</code>
    <div class="overflow-hidden border rounded-lg p-2 bg-surface-3" style="height:100px">
      Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Thousands of five-star reviews from customers who came back for more. Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order. We measure success by how many shoppers come back and tell their friends.
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-6 col-md-3">
    <code>overflow-visible</code>
    <div class="overflow-visible border rounded-lg p-2 bg-surface-3 mb-12" style="height:100px">
      Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Thousands of five-star reviews from customers who came back for more. Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order. We measure success by how many shoppers come back and tell their friends.
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-6 col-md-3">
    <code>overflow-scroll</code>
    <div class="overflow-scroll border rounded-lg p-2 bg-surface-3" style="height:100px">
      Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Thousands of five-star reviews from customers who came back for more. Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order. We measure success by how many shoppers come back and tell their friends.
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

2Horizontal scroll only

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

Loyalty rewards

Secure checkout

Loyalty rewards

<div class="flex flex-nowrap gap-2 overflow-x-auto pb-2">
  <div class="border rounded-lg p-4 shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="font-semibold small">
      Loyalty rewards
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-lg p-4 shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="font-semibold small">
      Loyalty rewards
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-lg p-4 shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="font-semibold small">
      Secure checkout
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-lg p-4 shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="font-semibold small">
      Secure checkout
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-lg p-4 shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="font-semibold small">
      Loyalty rewards
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

3Vertical scroll only

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

Nora Silva
Mateo Larsen
Jonah Morgan
Liam Lindqvist
Ravi Hughes
Samir Novak

<ul class="list-unstyled border rounded-lg overflow-y-auto mb-0" style="max-height:150px">
  <li class="px-4 py-2 border-b">Nora Silva</li>
  <li class="px-4 py-2 border-b">Mateo Larsen</li>
  <li class="px-4 py-2 border-b">Jonah Morgan</li>
  <li class="px-4 py-2 border-b">Liam Lindqvist</li>
  <li class="px-4 py-2 border-b">Ravi Hughes</li>
  <li class="px-4 py-2">Samir Novak</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-xl">
      <img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1441986300917-64674bd600d8?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&h=800&q=70" alt="Not clipped" class="w-full block">
      <div class="p-2 small">
        without
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-6">
    <div class="border rounded-xl 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-full 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-2704	Luna Fischer	Cape Town	Jun 21, 2026	Completed	$778.58
#ORD-4812	Hana Tanaka	Austin	Mar 4, 2026	Draft	$536.37

<div class="overflow-x-auto border rounded-lg">
  <table class="table table-sm mb-0 whitespace-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-2704</td>
        <td>Luna Fischer</td>
        <td>Cape Town</td>
        <td>Jun 21, 2026</td>
        <td>Completed</td>
        <td>$778.58</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>#ORD-4812</td>
        <td>Hana Tanaka</td>
        <td>Austin</td>
        <td>Mar 4, 2026</td>
        <td>Draft</td>
        <td>$536.37</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/pixel-nest --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir

<pre class="overflow-x-auto bg-surface-3 border rounded-lg p-4 small mb-0"><code>npm run build -- --mode production --out-dir dist/pixel-nest --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir</code></pre>

7Chat window

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

Free shipping on orders over $50 and easy returns within 30 days.

We work directly with makers, so prices stay fair for everyone.

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

Members get early access to new drops and prices only they can see.

<div class="border rounded-xl flex flex-col" style="height:220px;max-width:22rem">
  <div class="overflow-y-auto p-4 flex flex-col gap-2 grow">
    <div class="self-start bg-surface-3 rounded-lg px-2 py-1 small">
      Free shipping on orders over $50 and easy returns within 30 days.
    </div>
    <div class="self-end text-bg-primary rounded-lg px-2 py-1 small">
      We work directly with makers, so prices stay fair for everyone.
    </div>
    <div class="self-start bg-surface-3 rounded-lg px-2 py-1 small">
      We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you.
    </div>
    <div class="self-end text-bg-primary rounded-lg px-2 py-1 small">
      Members get early access to new drops and prices only they can see.
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border-t p-2">
    <label class="sr-only" 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="flex flex-nowrap gap-2 overflow-x-auto pb-1" aria-label="Categories">
  <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-primary rounded-full whitespace-nowrap">All</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-full whitespace-nowrap">Accessories</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-full whitespace-nowrap">design</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-full whitespace-nowrap">Apparel</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-full whitespace-nowrap">design</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-full whitespace-nowrap">plan</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-full whitespace-nowrap">bright</a> 
</nav>

9Terms box

A long text inside a bordered box with overflow-auto, like a licence agreement.

Terms of use

Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. 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. Free shipping on orders over $50 and easy returns within 30 days.

New pieces arrive every month, and the best ones sell out fast. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. Pay securely with card, wallet or in three interest-free instalments.

Thousands of five-star reviews from customers who came back for more. Not sure about the size? Our fit guide and live chat help you choose. Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order.

<div class="border rounded-lg p-4 overflow-auto small bg-surface-3" style="height:130px">
  <h3 class="h6">Terms of use</h3>
  <p>Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. 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. Free shipping on orders over $50 and easy returns within 30 days.</p>
  <p>New pieces arrive every month, and the best ones sell out fast. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. Pay securely with card, wallet or in three interest-free instalments.</p>
  <p class="mb-0">Thousands of five-star reviews from customers who came back for more. Not sure about the size? Our fit guide and live chat help you choose. Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order.</p>
</div>

10Visible overflow for a badge

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

overflow-hidden1

overflow-visible4

<div class="flex gap-6 pt-2">
  <div class="relative overflow-hidden border rounded-lg p-4 small">
    overflow-hidden<span class="absolute top-0 start-full -translate-x-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 badge rounded-full text-bg-danger">1</span>
  </div>
  <div class="relative overflow-visible border rounded-lg p-4 small">
    overflow-visible<span class="absolute top-0 start-full -translate-x-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 badge rounded-full text-bg-danger">4</span>
  </div>
</div>

11Hidden overflow for a cropped title

overflow-hidden with a fixed height clips long text to two lines worth of space.

Quality goods delivered to your door - We measure success by how many shoppers come back and tell their friends.

Jun 21, 2026

<div class="border rounded-lg p-4" style="max-width:20rem">
  <div class="overflow-hidden font-semibold leading-tight" style="height:2.5em">
    Quality goods delivered to your door - We measure success by how many shoppers come back and tell their friends.
  </div>
  <div class="small text-muted mt-1">
    Jun 21, 2026
  </div>
</div>

12Sidebar that scrolls separately

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

Our packaging is plastic-free and every delivery is carbon-neutral. Members get early access to new drops and prices only they can see.

<div class="flex border rounded-lg" style="height:180px">
  <nav class="overflow-y-auto border-e p-2 small shrink-0" style="width:130px" aria-label="Chapters">
    <a href="#" class="block py-1">Intro</a><a href="#" class="block py-1">Setup</a><a href="#" class="block py-1">Layout</a> <a href="#" class="block py-1">Colours</a><a href="#" class="block py-1">Forms</a><a href="#" class="block py-1">Tables</a> <a href="#" class="block py-1">Charts</a><a href="#" class="block py-1">Deploy</a> 
  </nav>
  <div class="p-4 small">
    Our packaging is plastic-free and every delivery is carbon-neutral. Members get early access to new drops and prices only they can see.
  </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-lg" style="height:160px;max-width:26rem">
  <img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1443884590026-2e4d21aee71c?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&h=700&q=70" alt="The small habits that make a big difference" width="900" height="394" class="block"> 
</div>

14Kanban columns

Columns side by side in overflow-x-auto, each column scrolls with overflow-y-auto.

To do

Free shipping

Secure checkout

30-day returns

Doing

Free shipping

Done

Free shipping

<div class="flex gap-2 overflow-x-auto pb-1">
  <div class="bg-surface-3 rounded-lg p-2 shrink-0 overflow-y-auto" style="width:170px;max-height:180px">
    <div class="small font-semibold mb-2">
      To do
    </div>
    <div class="bg-page border rounded-md p-2 small mb-2">
      Free shipping
    </div>
    <div class="bg-page border rounded-md p-2 small mb-2">
      Secure checkout
    </div>
    <div class="bg-page border rounded-md p-2 small">
      30-day returns
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="bg-surface-3 rounded-lg p-2 shrink-0 overflow-y-auto" style="width:170px;max-height:180px">
    <div class="small font-semibold mb-2">
      Doing
    </div>
    <div class="bg-page border rounded-md p-2 small">
      Free shipping
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="bg-surface-3 rounded-lg p-2 shrink-0 overflow-y-auto" style="width:170px;max-height:180px">
    <div class="small font-semibold mb-2">
      Done
    </div>
    <div class="bg-page border rounded-md p-2 small">
      Free shipping
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

15Overflow-x hidden

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

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

Panel partly off the edge

<div class="relative overflow-x-hidden border rounded-lg p-4" style="height:110px">
  <div class="small">
    Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves.
  </div>
  <div class="absolute top-0 bg-primary-subtle h-full 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.

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

<div class="overflow-y-scroll border rounded-lg p-2 small" style="height:90px">
  Thousands of shoppers already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.
</div>

17Notification panel

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

Notifications

Order before 2 pm and most items leave our warehouse the same day.

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

We work directly with makers, so prices stay fair for everyone.

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

View all

<div class="border rounded-lg shadow-sm flex flex-col" style="max-width:20rem;height:220px">
  <div class="px-4 py-2 border-b font-semibold small">
    Notifications
  </div>
  <div class="overflow-y-auto grow">
    <div class="px-4 py-2 border-b small">
      Order before 2 pm and most items leave our warehouse the same day.
    </div>
    <div class="px-4 py-2 border-b small">
      Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.
    </div>
    <div class="px-4 py-2 border-b small">
      We work directly with makers, so prices stay fair for everyone.
    </div>
    <div class="px-4 py-2 small">
      Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
    </div>
  </div>
  <a href="#" class="px-4 py-2 border-t small text-center">View all</a> 
</div>

18Clip a decorative shape

A big circle partly outside its panel is cut off by overflow-hidden.

Everyday essentials, beautifully made

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

<div class="relative overflow-hidden text-bg-primary rounded-xl p-6">
  <div class="absolute bg-white/25 rounded-full" style="width:180px;height:180px;right:-60px;top:-60px">
  </div>
  <h3 class="h5 relative">Everyday essentials, beautifully made</h3>
  <p class="small mb-0 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/pixel-nest/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-lg p-2 truncate">
      downloads/pixel-nest/assets/very-long-file-name-without-any-spaces-at-all.zip
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-sm-6">
    <div class="border rounded-lg p-2 break-words">
      downloads/pixel-nest/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	24	319 GB	Email and chat	Unlimited	$94.10

<div class="table-responsive border rounded-lg">
  <table class="table table-sm mb-0 whitespace-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>24</td>
        <td>319 GB</td>
        <td>Email and chat</td>
        <td>Unlimited</td>
        <td>$94.10</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>