Setting File Permissions (CHMOD)
What this is
File permissions control who can read, write, or execute a file on the server. Incorrect permissions are a common cause of 500 errors or security issues.
How to change permissions
- In the Files tab, right-click the file or folder.
- Select Permissions (CHMOD).
- Set the permission value.
- Click Save.
Common permission values
| Value |
Meaning |
Used for |
| 644 |
Owner can read/write; everyone else can read. |
Most files (PHP, HTML, CSS, images). |
| 755 |
Owner can read/write/execute; everyone else can read/execute. |
Folders and scripts that need to run. |
| 600 |
Owner can read/write; no one else has access. |
Sensitive config files (like wp-config.php). |
Good to know
- Permission changes apply recursively — if you change a folder's permissions, its contents are updated too.
- Never set permissions to 777 (full access for everyone). It's a security risk and unnecessary on properly configured hosting.
Common problems
| Problem |
What to do |
| 500 error after changing permissions |
Set files to 644 and folders to 755 as a safe default. |
| "Permission denied" errors |
Check that the web server user can read the files — 644/755 is the standard. |
Related articles
- My website shows a 500 error
- Using the file manager
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