How to hide scrollbar in tailwindcss?

There are multiple ways to customize scrollbars in Tailwindcss, we'll explore three approaches to handle scrollbars, each with its own advantages.

1. Scrollbar-Hide Utility Plugin

This method provides a clean way to hide scrollbars across different browsers.

First, install the Tailwind scrollbar-hide plugin:

npm install tailwind-scrollbar-hide

Add the plugin to your tailwind.config.js:

module.exports = {
  plugins: [
    require('tailwind-scrollbar-hide')
  ]
}

Use the scrollbar-hide class in your HTML:

<div class="overflow-y-scroll scrollbar-hide">
  <!-- Your content here -->
</div>

2. Custom CSS

This is my favorite approach, where you can simply add this custom CSS class and use it anywhere.

.scrollbar-hide {
  -ms-overflow-style: none;  /* IE and Edge */
  scrollbar-width: none;  /* Firefox */
}
.scrollbar-hide::-webkit-scrollbar {
  display: none;  /* Chrome, Safari and Opera */
}

3. Inline Arbitrary Values

This method works across browsers without requiring any plugin installation.

Apply these classes to your element:

<div class="overflow-y-scroll [&::-webkit-scrollbar]:hidden [-ms-overflow-style:none] [scrollbar-width:none]">
  <!-- Your content here -->
</div>

This approach uses Tailwind's arbitrary value syntax to apply the necessary styles inline, achieving the same effect as the plugin method.

Creating a Minimal Scrollbar

If you prefer a subtle visual indication of scroll position, this method creates a minimal, customizable scrollbar.

<div class="overflow-y-scroll [&::-webkit-scrollbar]:w-2 [&::-webkit-scrollbar-track]:bg-gray-100 [&::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb]:bg-gray-300">
  <!-- Your content here -->
</div>

This creates a thin scrollbar with a light gray track and a slightly darker thumb.

Conclusion

Each of these methods offers a unique approach to scrollbar styling in Tailwind CSS. The plugin method provides a clean, reusable utility class. The inline arbitrary values offer a plugin-free solution with broad browser support. The minimal scrollbar approach balances aesthetics with functionality.

Choose the method that best fits your project's needs and design goals. Remember, good UX often involves finding the right balance between visual appeal and usability.