Back to knowledgebase Knowledgebase

Changing File Permissions

File permissions control who can read, write, or run files and folders on your hosting account.

Recommended Permissions

For most websites, use:

  • Files: 644
  • Folders: 755

Do not set files or folders to 777 unless you have been specifically told to do so for a short-term test.

Permissions of 777 can make files or folders writable by more users than necessary and can create a security risk.

Change Permissions in cPanel File Manager

  1. Log in to cPanel.
  2. Open File Manager.
  3. Find the file or folder you want to change.
  4. Select the file or folder.
  5. Click Permissions or Change Permissions.
  6. Set the required permissions.
  7. Save the change.

Change Permissions by FTP

Many FTP programs include a CHMOD, Permissions, or File Permissions option.

Use that option to set the file or folder permissions.

Change Permissions by SSH

If SSH access is enabled on your hosting account, you can use the chmod command.

Only use SSH if you are comfortable with command-line tools.

How Permission Numbers Work

Permission numbers are calculated from these values:

  • Read: 4
  • Write: 2
  • Execute: 1

The three digits apply to:

  • Owner
  • Group
  • Others

For example, 755 means:

  • Owner can read, write, and execute.
  • Group can read and execute.
  • Others can read and execute.