overflow-x
Layout
Controls overflow on the horizontal axis alone.
| How to write it | overflow-x: visible; |
|---|---|
| Common values | visible, hidden, scroll, auto |
| Inherited | No — it stops at this element |
| Part of | overflow |
| Category | Layout |
How to read this
- An inherited property only needs writing once on the parent — every child picks it up. Most text properties work this way.
- A shorthand resets whatever you leave out. Writing background: red alone also wipes a background image you set earlier.
- When rules collide, the more specific selector wins; only when specificity ties does source order decide.
- Animate transform and opacity for smoothness. Changing width or top forces the layout to be recalculated.
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is the CSS overflow-x property?
Controls overflow on the horizontal axis alone.
Q. How do you write overflow-x?
As overflow-x: visible; Common values include visible, hidden, scroll, auto.
Q. Is overflow-x inherited?
No. It applies only where you write it, so each element needs its own declaration.
Q. Which shorthand sets overflow-x?
overflow can set it in one line.