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

Our terrace is open from spring to autumn, with heaters for cooler evenings. We have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.

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">
      Our terrace is open from spring to autumn, with heaters for cooler evenings. We have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.
    </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">
      Our terrace is open from spring to autumn, with heaters for cooler evenings. We have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.
    </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">
      Our terrace is open from spring to autumn, with heaters for cooler evenings. We have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.
    </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">
      Our terrace is open from spring to autumn, with heaters for cooler evenings. We have been feeding this neighbourhood for over a decade, and we still love it. Friendly people answer your questions quickly, by phone, chat or email. Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

2Horizontal scroll only

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

Dine-in

Takeaway

Catering

Dine-in

<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">
      Dine-in
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Dine-in
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Takeaway
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Catering
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="border rounded-3 p-3 flex-shrink-0" style="width:160px">
    <div class="fw-semibold small">
      Dine-in
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

3Vertical scroll only

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

Nadia Fischer
Omar Quinn
Samir Larsen
Chloe Rossi
Kenji Mensah
Felix Ashford

<ul class="list-unstyled border rounded-3 overflow-y-auto mb-0" style="max-height:150px">
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Nadia Fischer</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Omar Quinn</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Samir Larsen</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Chloe Rossi</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom">Kenji Mensah</li>
  <li class="px-3 py-2">Felix Ashford</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-1517248135467-4c7edcad34c4?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-1565895405140-6b9830a88c19?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-5376	Mason Patel	Kyoto	Oct 1, 2025	Pending	$194.90
#ORD-7559	Ivy Ortega	Austin	Feb 14, 2026	In review	$696.17

<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-5376</td>
        <td>Mason Patel</td>
        <td>Kyoto</td>
        <td>Oct 1, 2025</td>
        <td>Pending</td>
        <td>$194.90</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>#ORD-7559</td>
        <td>Ivy Ortega</td>
        <td>Austin</td>
        <td>Feb 14, 2026</td>
        <td>In review</td>
        <td>$696.17</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/zest --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/zest --base ./ --sourcemap false --emptyOutDir</code></pre>

7Chat window

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

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

Our sommelier has paired each dish with wines from small family vineyards.

Book a table online in seconds, or call us for groups of eight or more.

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

<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">
      Start in minutes and get help from a real person whenever you need it.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Our sommelier has paired each dish with wines from small family vineyards.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-start bg-body-tertiary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      Book a table online in seconds, or call us for groups of eight or more.
    </div>
    <div class="align-self-end text-bg-primary rounded-3 px-2 py-1 small">
      We keep things simple, so you can focus on what matters to you.
    </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">Starters</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">Specials</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">community</a> <a href="#" class="btn btn-sm btn-light border rounded-pill text-nowrap">experience</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

We measure success by how many guests come back and tell their friends. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. Our terrace is open from spring to autumn, with heaters for cooler evenings. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are marked clearly on every menu.

Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Our menu changes with the seasons and the best produce from nearby farms. Children are always welcome, with a menu made just for them.

Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Cooking classes on Saturday mornings teach you our favourite recipes. Order for pickup or delivery and enjoy the same dishes at home.

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3 overflow-auto small bg-body-tertiary" style="height:130px">
  <h3 class="h6">Terms of use</h3>
  <p>We measure success by how many guests come back and tell their friends. We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need. Our terrace is open from spring to autumn, with heaters for cooler evenings. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are marked clearly on every menu.</p>
  <p>Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Our menu changes with the seasons and the best produce from nearby farms. Children are always welcome, with a menu made just for them.</p>
  <p class="mb-0">Our team has done this many times, so you never have to guess. Cooking classes on Saturday mornings teach you our favourite recipes. Order for pickup or delivery and enjoy the same dishes at home.</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-visible7

<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">7</span>
  </div>
</div>

11Hidden overflow for a cropped title

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

Taste the city's favourite kitchen - Thousands of guests already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.

Jul 22, 2026

<div class="border rounded-3 p-3" style="max-width:20rem">
  <div class="overflow-hidden fw-semibold lh-sm" style="height:2.5em">
    Taste the city&#39;s favourite kitchen - Thousands of guests already trust us, and we work hard to keep it that way.
  </div>
  <div class="small text-body-secondary mt-1">
    Jul 22, 2026
  </div>
</div>

12Sidebar that scrolls separately

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

Every dish is cooked to order, so tell us if you would like anything changed. Bread is baked every morning and pasta is rolled by hand in our kitchen.

<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">
    Every dish is cooked to order, so tell us if you would like anything changed. Bread is baked every morning and pasta is rolled by hand in our kitchen.
  </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-1565895405140-6b9830a88c19?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&h=700&q=70" alt="The story of our wood-fired oven" 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

Cooking classes

Wine pairing

Doing

Wine pairing

Done

Wine pairing

<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">
      Cooking classes
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small mb-2">
      Cooking classes
    </div>
    <div class="bg-body border rounded-2 p-2 small">
      Wine pairing
    </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">
      Wine pairing
    </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">
      Wine pairing
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

15Overflow-x hidden

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

Private dining rooms seat up to forty guests for birthdays and business dinners.

Panel partly off the edge

<div class="position-relative overflow-x-hidden border rounded-3 p-3" style="height:110px">
  <div class="small">
    Private dining rooms seat up to forty guests for birthdays and business dinners.
  </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.

Our sommelier has paired each dish with wines from small family vineyards.

<div class="overflow-y-scroll border rounded-3 p-2 small" style="height:90px">
  Our sommelier has paired each dish with wines from small family vineyards.
</div>

17Notification panel

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

Notifications

Book a table online in seconds, or call us for groups of eight or more.

Our menu changes with the seasons and the best produce from nearby farms.

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

Children are always welcome, with a menu made just for them.

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">
      Book a table online in seconds, or call us for groups of eight or more.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      Our menu changes with the seasons and the best produce from nearby farms.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 border-bottom small">
      Clear prices, honest advice and no surprises along the way.
    </div>
    <div class="px-3 py-2 small">
      Children are always welcome, with a menu made just for them.
    </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.

Cooked with care, served with a smile

Bread is baked every morning and pasta is rolled by hand in our kitchen.

<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">Cooked with care, served with a smile</h3>
  <p class="small mb-0 position-relative">Bread is baked every morning and pasta is rolled by hand in our kitchen.</p>
</div>

19Long word handling

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

downloads/zest/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/zest/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/zest/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	19	164 GB	Email and chat	Unlimited	$99.17

<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>19</td>
        <td>164 GB</td>
        <td>Email and chat</td>
        <td>Unlimited</td>
        <td>$99.17</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>