Updated 04/2025

Using Linux as your operating system allows you to easily provide access to many users simultaneously. However, that access also presents potential security risks. Understanding the variety and types of Linux file permissions for users and groups will ensure that your system is optimally secure. This includes knowing how to change permissions of files in Linux using the chmod command.

This guide discusses the basics of Linux file permissions, and it also explains how to accomplish some crucial tasks including

• How to change directory permissions in Linux
• Changing directory permissions for group owners and others
• Managing permissions for groups of files and directories
• Changing ownership
• How to change permissions in numeric code

To change directory permissions in Linux, use the following common chmod commands:

• chmod +rwx filename to add permissions
• chmod -rwx directoryname to remove permissions. 
• chmod +x filename to allow executable permissions.
• chmod -wx filename to take out write and executable permissions.

Note that “r” is for read, “w” is for write, and “x” is for execute. 

These chmod commands only change the permissions for the owner of the file or folder.

There are three options for chmod permission groups available to you in Linux: These are

• owners: these permissions will only apply to owners and will not affect other groups.
• groups: you can assign a group of users specific permissions, which will only impact users within the group.
• all users: these permissions will apply to all users, and as a result, they present the greatest security risk and should be assigned with caution.

There are three kinds of file permissions in Linux:

• Read (r): Allows a user or group to view a file.
• Write (w): Permits the user to write or modify a file or directory.
• Execute (x): A user or grup with execute permissions can execute a file or view a directory.  

Here’s a more comprehensive list of ways you can manage Linux chmod permissions, groups, and ownership beyond the basic commands listed at the top of this guide.

The command for changing directory permissions for group owners is similar, but add a “g” for group or “o” for others:

• chmod g+w filename

• chmod g-wx filename

• chmod o+w filename

• chmod o-rwx foldername

To give permission to a folder in Linux for everyone, use “u” for users, “g” for group, “o” for others, and “ugo” or “a” (for all).

• chmod ugo+rwx foldername to give read, write, and execute to everyone.

• chmod a=r foldername to give only read permission for everyone.

By issuing these commands, you can change groups of files and directories in Linux. 

• chgrp groupname filename
• chgrp groupname foldername

Note that the group must exit before you can assign groups to files and directories.

Another helpful command is changing ownerships of files and directories in Linux:

• chown name filename
• chown name foldername

These commands will give ownership to someone, but all sub files and directories still belong to the original owner.

You can also combine the group and ownership command by using:

• chown -R name:filename /home/name/directoryname

You may need to know how to change permissions in numeric chmod code in Linux, so to do this you use numbers instead of “r”, “w”, or “x”.

• 0 = No Permission
• 1 = Execute
• 2 = Write
• 4 = Read

You will add up the numbers depending on the level of permission you want to give.

Permission numbers are:

• 0 = ---

• 1 = --x

• 2 = -w-

• 3 = -wx

• 4 = r-

• 5 = r-x

• 6 = rw-

• 7 = rwx

For example:

• chmod 777 foldername will give read, write, and execute permissions for everyone.

• chmod 700 foldername will give read, write, and execute permissions for the user only.

• chmod 327 foldername will give write and execute (3) permission for the user, w (2) for the group, and read, write, and execute for the users.

As you can see, chmod permissions in Linux give you control over how files and folders are accessed. You have the capability to dictate usability among users. While it may be easier to just give all permission to everyone, it may end up biting you in the end. So choose wisely.

Mastering Linux file and folder permissions is key to keeping your system secure and organized. Whether you're using chmod 777 for full access or fine-tuning settings with chmod rw and execute permissions, understanding how to change permissions of files and directories in Linux will give you more control and flexibility. By practicing chmod commands, exploring permission groups, and learning how to give permission to a folder in Linux, you’ll be well equipped to manage your system like a pro.