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The no-helpers version of Bulma excludes all helper classes, resulting in a smaller file size. This version is ideal for projects that prefer utility-first CSS frameworks or custom utility classes.

Overview

Bulma includes many helper classes for spacing, typography, colors, and more. If you don’t need these helpers or use a different utility system, the no-helpers version can significantly reduce your CSS bundle size.

Available Files

The no-helpers version comes in two variants:

Standard

bulma-no-helpers.scssIncludes all Bulma features except helper classes, with standard class names.

Prefixed

bulma-no-helpers-prefixed.scssIncludes all Bulma features except helper classes, with the bulma- prefix for all classes.

File Structure

bulma-no-helpers.scss

This file includes:
  • All utilities
  • Both light and dark themes
  • Base styles
  • All elements
  • Form components
  • All components
  • Grid system
  • Layout styles
  • Skeleton styles
  • No helper classes
@forward "../sass/utilities";
@forward "../sass/themes";
@forward "../sass/base";
@forward "../sass/elements";
@forward "../sass/form";
@forward "../sass/components";
@forward "../sass/grid";
@forward "../sass/layout";
@forward "../sass/base/skeleton";

bulma-no-helpers-prefixed.scss

Same as above, but with the bulma- prefix for all class names:
@use "../sass/utilities" with (
  $class-prefix: "bulma-"
);
@forward "../sass/themes";
@forward "../sass/base";
// ... rest of the imports

Installation

Import the version you need in your SCSS file:

Standard (No Helpers)

@import "bulma/versions/bulma-no-helpers";

Prefixed (No Helpers)

@import "bulma/versions/bulma-no-helpers-prefixed";

Benefits

Reduced File Size

Excluding helper classes significantly reduces the CSS bundle size.

Custom Utilities

Use your own utility system like Tailwind CSS alongside Bulma components.

No Conflicts

Avoid potential conflicts with other utility-first CSS frameworks.

Cleaner Output

Only include the component styles you actually use.

When to Use

Consider using the no-helpers version when:
  • You’re using another utility-first CSS framework (like Tailwind CSS)
  • You have your own custom utility class system
  • You want to minimize CSS file size and don’t use Bulma’s helpers
  • You prefer component-based styling over utility classes
  • You want to avoid CSS bloat from unused helper classes

What You’re Missing

Without helper classes, you won’t have access to:
  • Spacing helpers (margins, paddings)
  • Typography helpers (text alignment, sizes, weights)
  • Color helpers (text colors, background colors)
  • Display helpers (is-hidden, is-visible)
  • Flexbox helpers (is-flex, justify-content, align-items)
  • Other utility classes
If you need helper classes, use the standard Bulma version or the no-dark-mode version instead.

Comparison

FeatureStandard BulmaNo Helpers
Components
Elements
Themes
Helper classes
File sizeLargerSmaller

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