How do I remove the horizontal scrollbar in a div?

The Overflow Property Demystified

Overflow what? overflow-x and overflow-y are your trusted tools. While overflow-x: hidden; vanquishes the horizontal scrollbar, it lets the vertical scrollbar live. To keep the vertical scrollbar intact, use overflow-y: scroll; or better, overflow-y: auto; to appear only when necessary:

.scrollable-div {
  overflow-x: hidden; // Horizontally, we remain still
  overflow-y: auto; // Vertically, we're free as a bird
}
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Going nuclear and removing all scrollbars from WebKit browsers (including Chrome and Safari)? Sure, try this:

.no-scroll::-webkit-scrollbar {
  display: none; // See ya, wouldn't wanna be ya
}
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Heads up, it's a no-go on Mozilla Firefox and other non-WebKit browsers. Different strategies required - like revising your content structure or shaking hands with JavaScript.

Embracing Adaptability

Responding to Content Overflow

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, content outgrows the div, summoning the dreaded horizontal scrollbar. In such cases, use responsive techniques like media queries or flexbox to accommodate your overflowing content:

@media screen and (max-width: 600px) { // Screen estate? Limited. Response? Absolutely
  .responsive-content {
    flex-direction: column;
  }
}
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Attending to Hidden Secrets

Remember, overflow-x: hidden; might cloak some content permanently. Ensure no vital information is lost in the shadows of your div. Your end users will thank you.

Navigating Keyboard-Friendly Terrain

Keep your design ✨ keyboard-friendly ✨ as hidden scroll may lead to inaccessible content for keyboard users. Provide navigation options to traverse the content without having to wrestle with hidden overflow.

Overflow Decoded

Expect the Unexpected with Box Model

The box model is a CSS heavyweight. Careless padding or borders can throw your div into disarray, inducing horizontal overflow:

div {
  box-sizing: border-box; // The Holy Grail of coherent box size, includes border and padding
}
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Watch Your Script's Back

Beware of dynamic content injection through JavaScript. Code-induced overflow is a notorious culprit for horizontal scroll. Embed width checks within your JavaScript to maintain harmony.

Beware of Global Changes

Avoid flippantly setting overflow-x: hidden; on the html or body tags as it can lead to layout chaos on complex pages. Precision is key – targeted tweaks are safer and saner.

Accessibility Above All

Screen Readers & Visibility

Ensure hidden visuals are also hidden from screen readers. Content overlooked by visuals should be invisible to assistive technology:

div[aria-hidden="true"] {
  display: none; // This is the 'cloak of invisibility' for screen readers
}
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Be Fluid

Embrace fluid layouts to reduce the chances of horizontal scrollbar appearance:

div {
  width: 100%; // Give or take, am I right?
  max-width: 100%; // Boundaries respected, like a gentlediv...man. Get it?
}
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Display Properties to the Rescue

Consider display: inline-block; or display: flex; to impart a natural flow to your elements. It's like yoga for your divs - flexibility reduces stress (and nasty scrollbars).