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-autoClear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. Free shipping on orders over $50 and easy returns within 30 days. Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves.
overflow-hiddenClear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. Free shipping on orders over $50 and easy returns within 30 days. Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves.
overflow-visibleClear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. Free shipping on orders over $50 and easy returns within 30 days. Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves.
overflow-scrollClear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. Free shipping on orders over $50 and easy returns within 30 days. Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves.
<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">
Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. Free shipping on orders over $50 and easy returns within 30 days. Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves.
</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">
Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. Free shipping on orders over $50 and easy returns within 30 days. Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves.
</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">
Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. Free shipping on orders over $50 and easy returns within 30 days. Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves.
</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">
Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. Free shipping on orders over $50 and easy returns within 30 days. Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves.
</div>
</div>
</div>2Horizontal scroll only
overflow-x-auto with flex-nowrap scrolls a row of cards sideways.
Gift wrapping
Live order tracking
Gift wrapping
Gift wrapping
Loyalty rewards
<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">
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">
Gift wrapping
</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">
Loyalty rewards
</div>
</div>
</div>3Vertical scroll only
overflow-y-auto and a max-height make a scrolling list.
- Hana Okafor
- Freya Novak
- Priya Mensah
- Elena Kim
- Zoe Nguyen
- Leo Whitaker
<ul class="list-unstyled border rounded-3 overflow-y-auto mb-0" style="max-height:150px">
<li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Hana Okafor</li>
<li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Freya Novak</li>
<li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Priya Mensah</li>
<li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Elena Kim</li>
<li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Zoe Nguyen</li>
<li class="px-3 py-2">Leo Whitaker</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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #TX-6601 | Maya Ashford | Austin | Oct 13, 2026 | Approved | $862.72 |
| #TX-6444 | Ruby Patel | Edinburgh | Apr 12, 2026 | Cancelled | $468.13 |
<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>#TX-6601</td>
<td>Maya Ashford</td>
<td>Austin</td>
<td>Oct 13, 2026</td>
<td>Approved</td>
<td>$862.72</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>#TX-6444</td>
<td>Ruby Patel</td>
<td>Edinburgh</td>
<td>Apr 12, 2026</td>
<td>Cancelled</td>
<td>$468.13</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/sage --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/sage --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir</code></pre>7Chat window
A fixed height message area with overflow-y-auto above a fixed input.
Thousands of five-star reviews from customers who came back for more.
Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right.
Each product is checked by hand before it goes into the box.
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">
Thousands of five-star reviews from customers who came back for more.
</div>
<div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right.
</div>
<div class="align-self-start bg-body-tertiary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
Each product is checked by hand before it goes into the box.
</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">Outdoor</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">Beauty</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">process</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
Order before 2 pm and most items leave our warehouse the same day. Thousands of shoppers already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.
Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. 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.
We measure success by how many shoppers come back and tell their friends. Not sure about the size? Our fit guide and live chat help you choose. Our packaging is plastic-free and every delivery is carbon-neutral.
<div class="border rounded-3 p-3 overflow-auto small bg-body-tertiary" style="height:130px">
<h3 class="h6">Terms of use</h3>
<p>Order before 2 pm and most items leave our warehouse the same day. Thousands of shoppers already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.</p>
<p>Gift wrapping and a handwritten note are free on every order. We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. 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.</p>
<p class="mb-0">We measure success by how many shoppers come back and tell their friends. Not sure about the size? Our fit guide and live chat help you choose. Our packaging is plastic-free and every delivery is carbon-neutral.</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-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">1</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.
New season, new favourites - Pay securely with card, wallet or in three interest-free instalments.
Oct 12, 2025
<div class="border rounded-3 p-3" style="max-width:20rem">
<div class="overflow-hidden fw-semibold lh-sm" style="height:2.5em">
New season, new favourites - Pay securely with card, wallet or in three interest-free instalments.
</div>
<div class="small text-body-secondary mt-1">
Oct 12, 2025
</div>
</div>12Sidebar that scrolls separately
The nav column scrolls with overflow-y-auto while the content stays put.
New pieces arrive every month, and the best ones sell out fast. Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves.
<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">
New pieces arrive every month, and the best ones sell out fast. Every piece is made in small batches from materials we test ourselves.
</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-1601647998829-ee316a565aea?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&h=700&q=70" alt="What to pack for a rainy weekend outdoors" 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
Free shipping
Loyalty rewards
Free shipping
Doing
Live order tracking
Done
Free shipping
<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">
Free shipping
</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">
Free shipping
</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">
Live order tracking
</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">
Free shipping
</div>
</div>
</div>15Overflow-x hidden
overflow-x-hidden hides content that slides in from the side, like an off-screen panel.
Each product is checked by hand before it goes into the box.
Panel partly off the edge
<div class="position-relative overflow-x-hidden border rounded-3 p-3" style="height:110px">
<div class="small">
Each product is checked by hand before it goes into the box.
</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 measure success by how many shoppers come back and tell their friends.
<div class="overflow-y-scroll border rounded-3 p-2 small" style="height:90px">
We measure success by how many shoppers come back and tell their friends.
</div>17Notification panel
A dropdown-like panel with header, scrolling body and footer.
Notifications
Members get early access to new drops and prices only they can see.
Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right.
Pay securely with card, wallet or in three interest-free instalments.
We work directly with makers, so prices stay fair for everyone.
<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">
Members get early access to new drops and prices only they can see.
</div>
<div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right.
</div>
<div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
Pay securely with card, wallet or in three interest-free instalments.
</div>
<div class="px-3 py-2 small">
We work directly with makers, so prices stay fair for everyone.
</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
Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.
<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">Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.</p>
</div>19Long word handling
overflow-hidden plus text-truncate versus text-break for an unbreakable string.
downloads/sage/assets/very-long-file-name-without-any-spaces-at-all.zip
downloads/sage/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/sage/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/sage/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 | 14 | 500 GB | Email and chat | Unlimited | $47.69 |
<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>14</td>
<td>500 GB</td>
<td>Email and chat</td>
<td>Unlimited</td>
<td>$47.69</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>