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How to Change File Permissions (chmod)?

What are File Permissions?​

File permissions (chmod) determine who and how can use files and directories on the server. Each file has three types of permissions:

  • Read (r) - ability to view contents
  • Write (w) - ability to modify the file
  • Execute (x) - ability to run the file as a program

Permissions are assigned to three user groups: owner, group, and others.

Changing Permissions in FileZilla​

Step 1: Open Context Menu​

Right-click on a file or directory and select "File permissions..."

Step 2: Set Permissions​

In the dialog box, check the appropriate checkboxes for each user group:

  • Owner
  • Group
  • Public

You can also enter a numeric value directly (e.g., 755, 644).

Step 3: Confirm Changes​

Click OK to save the new permissions.

Changing Permissions in WinSCP​

Step 1: Select File​

In the file list, you can see the current permissions in the "Permissions" column.

Step 2: Open Properties​

Right-click on the file and select "Properties" or press F9.

Step 3: Set Permissions​

In the properties window, click the checkboxes for the appropriate permissions or enter a numeric value.

Step 4: Save​

Click OK to apply the changes.

Changing Permissions Recursively​

To apply permissions to all files and subdirectories in a selected directory, use the recursive option:

In FileZilla​

In the permissions dialog box, check the "Recurse into subdirectories" option. You can choose:

  • Apply to all files and directories - apply to all files and directories
  • Apply to directories only - apply to directories only
  • Apply to files only - apply to files only

In WinSCP​

In the properties window, check the "Recursively change permissions for subdirectories and files" option or similar, depending on the program version.

⚠️ Warning: Use this option carefully - it will change permissions for all files in the directory and its subdirectories!

Common chmod Values​

  • 755 - Directories: owner can do everything, others can browse
  • 644 - Files: owner can edit, others can only read
  • 777 - Full permissions for everyone (⚠️ not recommended for security reasons)
  • 600 - Only owner can read and write

Security Notes​

⚠️ Avoid setting permissions to 777 unless absolutely necessary. Such permissions allow any user to modify files, which poses a security risk.