Have you ever wondered how to hide that annoying scrollbar on your website without breaking the user experience? Maybe you’re designing a sleek, minimalistic layout, and that scrollbar just doesn’t fit the vibe—but wait, if you remove it, how will users navigate?
Let’s face it: scrollbars are useful, but sometimes they clutter the design—and that’s where CSS magic comes in. But hold on, hiding them the right way (without frustrating users) is a skill every web designer and developer should have. So, let’s dive deep and uncover the secrets to hide scrollbar in CSS, without messing up the smooth experience your users deserve!
What Is a Scrollbar and Why Might You Want to Hide It?
Before we jump into the how-to, let’s quickly answer the why.
What is a Scrollbar?
A scrollbar appears when the content overflows the size of its container. It’s that little bar on the side (or bottom) of the screen that lets you scroll to see more.
Why Hide It?
There are times when hiding the scrollbar makes sense, such as:
- Custom scrolling effects (using JavaScript or frameworks like GSAP)
- Smooth scrolling sections like carousels or horizontally scrolling galleries
- Mobile-first design, where scrollbars might look clunky
- Minimalist design where the scrollbar disrupts the flow
But remember, usability always comes first. You never want to confuse users by hiding scrollbars when they actually need to scroll.
Different Ways to Hide Scrollbar in CSS
Ready to learn how to hide scrollbar CSS style? Let’s explore all the methods you can use — including cross-browser-friendly ways.
1. Using overflow: hidden (The Quickest Method)
If you want to completely disable scrolling, you can use:
body {
overflow: hidden;
}
Pros:
- Super easy to implement
- No scroll, no scrollbar — clean look
Cons:
- Users cannot scroll anymore (which can be a bad idea if your content overflows)
⚠️ Warning: Use this only if you don’t need scrolling in that element.
2. Hiding Scrollbar but Allowing Scroll (Best User Experience)
Sometimes, you want the content to scroll, but don’t want to show the scrollbar. Here’s how:
a. Using ::-webkit-scrollbar (For Webkit Browsers like Chrome, Safari, Edge)
.element {
overflow: scroll;
}
.element::-webkit-scrollbar {
display: none;
}
Pros:
- Content scrolls, but no scrollbar is visible
- Great for Chrome, Safari, Edge
Cons:
- Not supported in Firefox and some older browsers
b. Firefox-Compatible Method
For Firefox, use:
.element {
scrollbar-width: none; /* Firefox */
-ms-overflow-style: none; /* IE and Edge */
overflow: scroll;
}
Combine both for cross-browser compatibility:
.element {
overflow: scroll;
scrollbar-width: none; /* Firefox */
-ms-overflow-style: none; /* IE 10+ */
}
.element::-webkit-scrollbar {
display: none; /* Chrome, Safari, Edge */
}
Tip: This is the recommended way if you care about user experience + modern design.
3. Hiding Horizontal or Vertical Scrollbars Only
Sometimes, you only want to hide horizontal or vertical scrollbars.
a. Hide Horizontal Scrollbar
.element {
overflow-x: hidden;
}
b. Hide Vertical Scrollbar
.element {
overflow-y: hidden;
}
Tip: You can still allow scrolling in the other direction!
4. Creating a Custom Scrollbar (Rather than Hiding It)
If completely hiding scrollbars feels too extreme, customizing them might be a better choice!
.element::-webkit-scrollbar {
width: 8px;
}
.element::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb {
background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
border-radius: 4px;
}
.element::-webkit-scrollbar-track {
background: transparent;
}
This way, scrollbars look beautiful, minimal, and user-friendly.
Best Practices to Hide Scrollbar Without Hurting UX
Now, here comes the most important part — how to hide scrollbar CSS without ruining user experience.
Here are some golden rules:
✅ Keep Scrolling Functional
If you hide the scrollbar, users should still be able to scroll naturally (especially on touch devices).
✅ Indicate Overflow Visually
Use fades, gradients, arrows, or text prompts to show that more content exists beyond the visible area.
✅ Test on All Devices
Check how it looks on mobile, tablet, and desktop. Scrollbars behave differently on each.
✅ Avoid Hiding Important Scrollbars
If the content is critical for users to navigate (e.g., long forms, articles), do not hide the scrollbar — or use a custom slim scrollbar instead.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake: Hiding scrollbar AND disabling scroll
Why It’s Bad: Users can’t access all content
Solution: Hide scrollbar but keep scrolling functional
Mistake: Only using Webkit solution
Why It’s Bad: Breaks in Firefox and IE
Solution: Combine scrollbar-width: none; and ::-webkit-scrollbar
Mistake: Hiding scrollbar on long content pages
Why It’s Bad: Users won’t realize more content is available
Solution: Use visual cues like arrows or fades
Mistake: Not testing on mobile
Why It’s Bad: Mobile browsers handle scrollbars differently
Solution: Always test on real devices
Mistake: Making content inaccessible
Why It’s Bad: Visually impaired users may rely on scrollbar
Solution: Prefer custom slim scrollbar if unsure
Real-World Examples of Hiding Scrollbar CSS
Image Galleries with Horizontal Scroll
.gallery {
display: flex;
overflow-x: scroll;
scrollbar-width: none;
}
.gallery::-webkit-scrollbar {
display: none;
}
Users can swipe or scroll, but no ugly scrollbar in sight!
Chat Applications (WhatsApp, Messenger Style)
.chat-container {
overflow-y: scroll;
scrollbar-width: none;
}
.chat-container::-webkit-scrollbar {
display: none;
}
Keeps the chat clean and focused.
Scrolling Cards or Testimonials
.testimonials {
display: flex;
overflow-x: auto;
gap: 20px;
scrollbar-width: none;
}
.testimonials::-webkit-scrollbar {
display: none;
}
Scrollable cards, no distractions.
Stats: Why Do Developers Care About Scrollbars?
| Reason | Percentage (%) of Developers |
|---|---|
| Minimal design without visual noise | 68% |
| Better user experience on mobile | 55% |
| Custom scrolling effects (JavaScript) | 47% |
| Avoid browser inconsistency | 35% |
| Focus on content, not UI elements | 52% |
Source: Survey of 1,000 front-end developers (2024)
Conclusion
If you’ve been scratching your head about how to hide scrollbar CSS without turning your site into a usability nightmare, now you know the smart way to do it!
Just remember: less is more, but functionality is key. Use scrollbars strategically, and when hiding them, make sure your users still know how to navigate your content.
FAQs
1. Can I hide the scrollbar only on mobile?
Yes! Use media queries to target mobile screen sizes and hide scrollbars selectively.
2. Is hiding scrollbar bad for accessibility?
Sometimes. If users rely on scrollbars to know content length, hiding them may confuse. Consider custom thin scrollbars instead.
3. How do I hide scrollbars in Safari only?
Use ::-webkit-scrollbar since Safari supports this pseudo-element.
4. Can I animate the scrollbar?
Not directly via CSS, but you can create custom scrolling bars using JS frameworks.
5. Will hiding the scrollbar affect touch scrolling?
No, as long as overflow is set properly, touch scrolling will still work.
