How do I use the chmod calculator?
- Enter octal (e.g. 644) or symbolic (e.g. rw-r--r--) permissions.
- Press Work out permissions.
- Copy the chmod command and run it on your server.
chmod calculator: frequently asked questions
What permissions should WordPress files have?
Usually 644 for files and 755 for folders, with wp-config.php at 640 or 600.
Is chmod 777 ever safe?
Almost never on a web server. It lets any user or compromised process change the file.
What does chmod do?
It sets who can read, write and execute a file or folder on Linux and macOS: the owner, the group and everyone else.
What do the numbers in chmod mean?
Each digit adds read (4), write (2) and execute (1) for owner, group and others. 755 means rwx for the owner and r-x for everyone else.
What permissions should website files have?
Commonly 644 for files and 755 for folders. Configuration files with secrets should be tighter, such as 600 or 640.
Why is chmod 777 dangerous?
It lets any user or process on the server change the file, which attackers exploit. Fix ownership instead.
What is the difference between chmod and chown?
chmod changes permissions; chown changes which user and group own the file.
What does the execute bit mean on a folder?
It allows entering the folder and accessing files inside it by name.
What are setuid, setgid and the sticky bit?
Special modes shown as a leading fourth digit. They are rarely needed on web servers and should be used with care.
How do I apply permissions to a whole folder?
Use find to set folders and files separately, for example 755 for directories and 644 for files, rather than chmod -R on everything.