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

Video consultations let you speak with a doctor from the comfort of home. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Same-day appointments are available for urgent needs on weekdays. Your records are private, secure and always available when you need them.

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">
      Video consultations let you speak with a doctor from the comfort of home. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Same-day appointments are available for urgent needs on weekdays. Your records are private, secure and always available when you need them.
    </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">
      Video consultations let you speak with a doctor from the comfort of home. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Same-day appointments are available for urgent needs on weekdays. Your records are private, secure and always available when you need them.
    </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">
      Video consultations let you speak with a doctor from the comfort of home. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Same-day appointments are available for urgent needs on weekdays. Your records are private, secure and always available when you need them.
    </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">
      Video consultations let you speak with a doctor from the comfort of home. Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it. Same-day appointments are available for urgent needs on weekdays. Your records are private, secure and always available when you need them.
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

2Horizontal scroll only

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

Telehealth

Dental care

Telehealth

Physiotherapy

Lab tests

<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">
      Telehealth
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-lg p-4 shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="font-semibold small">
      Dental care
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-lg p-4 shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="font-semibold small">
      Telehealth
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-lg p-4 shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="font-semibold small">
      Physiotherapy
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-lg p-4 shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="font-semibold small">
      Lab tests
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

3Vertical scroll only

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

Noah Morgan
Elena Brennan
Ravi Larsen
Finn Alvarez
Zoe Haddad
Isla Moreau

<ul class="list-unstyled border rounded-lg overflow-y-auto mb-0" style="max-height:150px">
  <li class="px-4 py-2 border-b">Noah Morgan</li>
  <li class="px-4 py-2 border-b">Elena Brennan</li>
  <li class="px-4 py-2 border-b">Ravi Larsen</li>
  <li class="px-4 py-2 border-b">Finn Alvarez</li>
  <li class="px-4 py-2 border-b">Zoe Haddad</li>
  <li class="px-4 py-2">Isla 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-xl">
      <img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1631217868264-e5b90bb7e133?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-1758691461990-03b49d969495?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
#TX-1654	Mia Ibrahim	Valencia	Apr 3, 2026	On hold	$395.79
#INV-5171	Hana Carter	Prague	Oct 16, 2026	Cancelled	$352.38

<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>#TX-1654</td>
        <td>Mia Ibrahim</td>
        <td>Valencia</td>
        <td>Apr 3, 2026</td>
        <td>On hold</td>
        <td>$395.79</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>#INV-5171</td>
        <td>Hana Carter</td>
        <td>Prague</td>
        <td>Oct 16, 2026</td>
        <td>Cancelled</td>
        <td>$352.38</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/umbra --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/umbra --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir</code></pre>

7Chat window

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

Children are welcome, and our paediatric team knows how to make them smile.

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

Our clinic is fully accessible, with free parking right outside.

Family plans cover check-ups and vaccinations for everyone under one roof.

<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">
      Children are welcome, and our paediatric team knows how to make them smile.
    </div>
    <div class="self-end text-bg-primary rounded-lg px-2 py-1 small">
      Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.
    </div>
    <div class="self-start bg-surface-3 rounded-lg px-2 py-1 small">
      Our clinic is fully accessible, with free parking right outside.
    </div>
    <div class="self-end text-bg-primary rounded-lg px-2 py-1 small">
      Family plans cover check-ups and vaccinations for everyone under one roof.
    </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">Dental</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-full whitespace-nowrap">release</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-full whitespace-nowrap">Dermatology</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-full whitespace-nowrap">update</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-full whitespace-nowrap">journey</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-full whitespace-nowrap">reliable</a> 
</nav>

9Terms box

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

Terms of use

Friendly reminders make sure you never miss a check-up or a dose. Thousands of patients already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. Book online in two minutes and see a doctor as soon as today.

We measure success by how many patients come back and tell their friends. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Thousands of patients already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.

We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. We measure success by how many patients come back and tell their friends. Our clinic is fully accessible, with free parking right outside. We work with most insurance providers and explain any costs upfront.

<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 reminders make sure you never miss a check-up or a dose. Thousands of patients already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. Book online in two minutes and see a doctor as soon as today.</p>
  <p>We measure success by how many patients come back and tell their friends. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way. Thousands of patients already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.</p>
  <p class="mb-0">We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you. We measure success by how many patients come back and tell their friends. Our clinic is fully accessible, with free parking right outside. We work with most insurance providers and explain any costs upfront.</p>
</div>

10Visible overflow for a badge

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

overflow-hidden4

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">4</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.

Care for the whole family - Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.

Jun 1, 2026

<div class="border rounded-lg p-4" style="max-width:20rem">
  <div class="overflow-hidden font-semibold leading-tight" style="height:2.5em">
    Care for the whole family - Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email.
  </div>
  <div class="small text-muted mt-1">
    Jun 1, 2026
  </div>
</div>

12Sidebar that scrolls separately

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

Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Modern equipment means faster diagnoses and more comfortable treatment.

<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">
    Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Modern equipment means faster diagnoses and more comfortable treatment.
  </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-lg" style="height:160px;max-width:26rem">
  <img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1758691462123-8a17ae95d203?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&h=700&q=70" alt="Looking back at a busy season" 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

General practice

Lab tests

General practice

Doing

Lab tests

Done

Physiotherapy

<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">
      General practice
    </div>
    <div class="bg-page border rounded-md p-2 small mb-2">
      Lab tests
    </div>
    <div class="bg-page border rounded-md p-2 small">
      General practice
    </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">
      Lab tests
    </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">
      Physiotherapy
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

15Overflow-x hidden

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

Book online in two minutes and see a doctor as soon as today.

Panel partly off the edge

<div class="relative overflow-x-hidden border rounded-lg p-4" style="height:110px">
  <div class="small">
    Book online in two minutes and see a doctor as soon as today.
  </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.

Family plans cover check-ups and vaccinations for everyone under one roof.

<div class="overflow-y-scroll border rounded-lg p-2 small" style="height:90px">
  Family plans cover check-ups and vaccinations for everyone under one roof.
</div>

17Notification panel

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

Notifications

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

Our specialists take time to listen and explain every step of your treatment.

Your records are private, secure and always available when you need them.

Same-day appointments are available for urgent needs on weekdays.

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">
      Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
    </div>
    <div class="px-4 py-2 border-b small">
      Our specialists take time to listen and explain every step of your treatment.
    </div>
    <div class="px-4 py-2 border-b small">
      Your records are private, secure and always available when you need them.
    </div>
    <div class="px-4 py-2 small">
      Same-day appointments are available for urgent needs on weekdays.
    </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.

Care that puts you first

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

<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">Care that puts you first</h3>
  <p class="small mb-0 relative">We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.</p>
</div>

19Long word handling

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

downloads/umbra/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/umbra/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/umbra/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	11	455 GB	Email and chat	Unlimited	$36.95

<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>11</td>
        <td>455 GB</td>
        <td>Email and chat</td>
        <td>Unlimited</td>
        <td>$36.95</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>