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-autoClean water wells are built with and maintained by local communities. A school kit costs less than a cinema ticket and lasts a whole year. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
overflow-hiddenClean water wells are built with and maintained by local communities. A school kit costs less than a cinema ticket and lasts a whole year. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
overflow-visibleClean water wells are built with and maintained by local communities. A school kit costs less than a cinema ticket and lasts a whole year. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
overflow-scrollClean water wells are built with and maintained by local communities. A school kit costs less than a cinema ticket and lasts a whole year. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
<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">
Clean water wells are built with and maintained by local communities. A school kit costs less than a cinema ticket and lasts a whole year. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
</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">
Clean water wells are built with and maintained by local communities. A school kit costs less than a cinema ticket and lasts a whole year. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
</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">
Clean water wells are built with and maintained by local communities. A school kit costs less than a cinema ticket and lasts a whole year. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
</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">
Clean water wells are built with and maintained by local communities. A school kit costs less than a cinema ticket and lasts a whole year. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
</div>
</div>
</div>2Horizontal scroll only
overflow-x-auto with flex-nowrap scrolls a row of cards sideways.
Animal rescue
Volunteer programs
Volunteer programs
Food relief
Clean water
<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">
Animal rescue
</div>
</div>
<div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
<div class="fw-semibold small">
Volunteer programs
</div>
</div>
<div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
<div class="fw-semibold small">
Volunteer programs
</div>
</div>
<div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
<div class="fw-semibold small">
Food relief
</div>
</div>
<div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
<div class="fw-semibold small">
Clean water
</div>
</div>
</div>3Vertical scroll only
overflow-y-auto and a max-height make a scrolling list.
- Ruby Harlow
- Finn Kim
- Leo Whitaker
- Nadia Sato
- Chloe Ortega
- Jonah Moreau
<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 Harlow</li>
<li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Finn Kim</li>
<li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Leo Whitaker</li>
<li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Nadia Sato</li>
<li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Chloe Ortega</li>
<li class="px-3 py-2">Jonah Moreau</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-1557660559-42497f78035b?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-1560220604-1985ebfe28b1?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-2453 | Mason Brennan | Seoul | Mar 28, 2026 | Cancelled | $258.30 |
| #INV-7308 | Maya Morgan | Edinburgh | Jun 4, 2026 | Completed | $302.97 |
<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-2453</td>
<td>Mason Brennan</td>
<td>Seoul</td>
<td>Mar 28, 2026</td>
<td>Cancelled</td>
<td>$258.30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>#INV-7308</td>
<td>Maya Morgan</td>
<td>Edinburgh</td>
<td>Jun 4, 2026</td>
<td>Completed</td>
<td>$302.97</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/pixelera --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/pixelera --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir</code></pre>7Chat window
A fixed height message area with overflow-y-auto above a fixed input.
We have helped more than two hundred thousand people since we started.
Leave a gift in your will and help future generations.
We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.
Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess.
<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 have helped more than two hundred thousand people since we started.
</div>
<div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
Leave a gift in your will and help future generations.
</div>
<div class="align-self-start bg-body-tertiary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.
</div>
<div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess.
</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">Environment</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">product</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">Environment</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">team</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">smart</a>
</nav>9Terms box
A long text inside a bordered box with overflow-auto, like a licence agreement.
Terms of use
You receive photos and updates showing exactly what your donation achieved. Volunteers give their time in schools, shelters and food banks every week. Local partners know their communities and make sure help arrives where it matters.
Ninety cents of every dollar goes directly to the projects you support. Monthly gifts let us plan ahead and respond quickly when disaster strikes. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you.
Every donation is tax-deductible, and receipts arrive by email instantly. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Thousands of donors already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. Every donation is tax-deductible, and receipts arrive by email instantly.
<div class="border rounded-3 p-3 overflow-auto small bg-body-tertiary" style="height:130px">
<h3 class="h6">Terms of use</h3>
<p>You receive photos and updates showing exactly what your donation achieved. Volunteers give their time in schools, shelters and food banks every week. Local partners know their communities and make sure help arrives where it matters.</p>
<p>Ninety cents of every dollar goes directly to the projects you support. Monthly gifts let us plan ahead and respond quickly when disaster strikes. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you.</p>
<p class="mb-0">Every donation is tax-deductible, and receipts arrive by email instantly. Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Thousands of donors already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. Every donation is tax-deductible, and receipts arrive by email instantly.</p>
</div>10Visible overflow for a badge
overflow-visible lets a badge stick out of a box that would otherwise clip it.
overflow-hidden6
overflow-visible5
<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">6</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">5</span>
</div>
</div>11Hidden overflow for a cropped title
overflow-hidden with a fixed height clips long text to two lines worth of space.
Together we can change lives - Ninety cents of every dollar goes directly to the projects you support.
May 26, 2026
<div class="border rounded-3 p-3" style="max-width:20rem">
<div class="overflow-hidden fw-semibold lh-sm" style="height:2.5em">
Together we can change lives - Ninety cents of every dollar goes directly to the projects you support.
</div>
<div class="small text-body-secondary mt-1">
May 26, 2026
</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. Leave a gift in your will and help future generations.
<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. Leave a gift in your will and help future generations.
</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-1758599668429-121d54188b9c?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&h=700&q=70" alt="Why we plant trees with the schools we build" 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
Animal rescue
Education fund
Volunteer programs
Doing
Animal rescue
Done
Disaster response
<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">
Animal rescue
</div>
<div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small mb-2">
Education fund
</div>
<div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small">
Volunteer programs
</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">
Animal rescue
</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">
Disaster response
</div>
</div>
</div>15Overflow-x hidden
overflow-x-hidden hides content that slides in from the side, like an off-screen panel.
Local partners know their communities and make sure help arrives where it matters.
Panel partly off the edge
<div class="position-relative overflow-x-hidden border rounded-3 p-3" style="height:110px">
<div class="small">
Local partners know their communities and make sure help arrives where it matters.
</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.
Monthly gifts let us plan ahead and respond quickly when disaster strikes.
<div class="overflow-y-scroll border rounded-3 p-2 small" style="height:90px">
Monthly gifts let us plan ahead and respond quickly when disaster strikes.
</div>17Notification panel
A dropdown-like panel with header, scrolling body and footer.
Notifications
We have helped more than two hundred thousand people since we started.
Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
Companies can match employee donations and double their impact.
Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.
<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">
We have helped more than two hundred thousand people since we started.
</div>
<div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
</div>
<div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
Companies can match employee donations and double their impact.
</div>
<div class="px-3 py-2 small">
Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises 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.
Your kindness travels further than you think
Clean water wells are built with and maintained by local communities.
<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">Your kindness travels further than you think</h3>
<p class="small mb-0 position-relative">Clean water wells are built with and maintained by local communities.</p>
</div>19Long word handling
overflow-hidden plus text-truncate versus text-break for an unbreakable string.
downloads/pixelera/assets/very-long-file-name-without-any-spaces-at-all.zip
downloads/pixelera/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/pixelera/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/pixelera/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 | 273 GB | Email and chat | Unlimited | $21.22 |
<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>273 GB</td>
<td>Email and chat</td>
<td>Unlimited</td>
<td>$21.22</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>