Create a helpers.php file in app/Helpers with custom functions like formatPrice, isActiveRoute, and isAdmin. 2. Add the file to the "files" section of composer.json under autoload. 3. Run composer dump-autoload to make the functions globally available. 4. Use the helper functions in views, controllers, or Blade templates anywhere in the application. Optionally, split helpers into multiple files and include all in the autoload files array, then run composer dump-autoload again. Avoid overuse, keep functions pure, and prevent naming conflicts with Laravel’s built-in helpers.
In Laravel, a "helper file" is typically a PHP file that contains custom functions you can use across your application—like formatting data, handling strings, or performing common logic. While Laravel already includes some global helper functions (like str()
, array_wrap()
, etc.), you might want to add your own.

Here’s how to create and use a helper file in Laravel:
? 1. Create a Custom Helper File
First, create a PHP file—commonly named helpers.php
—in your app/Helpers
directory.

If the
Helpers
folder doesn’t exist, create it.
app/Helpers/helpers.php
Now, add your custom functions. For example:

<?php // app/Helpers/helpers.php function formatPrice($amount) { return '$' . number_format($amount, 2); } function isActiveRoute($routeName) { return Route::currentRouteName() === $routeName ? 'active' : ''; } function isAdmin($user = null) { $user = $user ?? auth()->user(); return $user && $user->role === 'admin'; }
? 2. Load the Helper File via Composer
To make these functions globally available, tell Composer to autoload this file.
Open composer.json
and add the file to the files
section under autoload
:
"autoload": { "psr-4": { "App\\": "app/" }, "files": [ "app/Helpers/helpers.php" ] },
?? If the
"files"
section doesn’t exist, create it.
? 3. Regenerate the Autoload
Run this command to autoload your helper file:
composer dump-autoload
This makes your helper functions available throughout the app without needing to manually include the file.
? 4. Use Your Helper Functions Anywhere
Now you can use your functions in views, controllers, routes, or Blade templates:
In a Blade view:
{{ formatPrice(19.99) }} {{-- Outputs: $19.99 --}} <li class="{{ isActiveRoute('dashboard') }}">Dashboard</li>
In a controller:
if (isAdmin()) { // Allow access to admin panel }
? Optional: Organize Multiple Helper Files
If you have many helpers, you can split them into multiple files (e.g., string_helpers.php
, array_helpers.php
) and include them all in the composer.json
files
array:
"files": [ "app/Helpers/helpers.php", "app/Helpers/string_helpers.php", "app/Helpers/array_helpers.php" ]
Don’t forget to run composer dump-autoload
after adding new files.
?? Notes & Best Practices
- Avoid overusing global helper functions; consider using service classes or facades for complex logic.
- Keep helper functions pure (no side effects, predictable output).
- Name functions clearly and avoid conflicts with Laravel’s built-in helpers.
That’s it! You now have a working helper file in Laravel. Just create it, autoload via Composer, and use it anywhere. Basically just a simple PHP file brought to life through Composer’s autoloading.
The above is the detailed content of How to create a helper file in Laravel?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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