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Linux file permissions

Build or decode Linux file permissions with a simple click interface. Set read, write, and execute permissions for owner, group, and other, and instantly see the numeric chmod value and symbolic representation.

ReadWriteExecuteValue
Owner7 (rwx)
Group5 (r-x)
Other5 (r-x)
NUMERIC (OCTAL)
Type to update checkboxes
SYMBOLIC
rwxr-xr-x
chmod 755 filename
BINARY BREAKDOWN
Owner
111
Group
101
Other
101

How it works

The tool converts between octal, symbolic, and binary permission representations using pure JavaScript bit arithmetic. No library required. Checking a box sets the corresponding bit; typing an octal value like 755 reverses the process to tick the right boxes.

Processing runs in your browser

All calculations happen locally in the page. Our servers are not involved at any point.

Related operations

For subnet math like host counts and netmasks, try the CIDR calculator. To convert numeric permission bits between bases, use the number base converter. For testing permission patterns in path strings, see the regex tester.

Frequently asked questions

What permissions should I set on a web server file?

Typically: directories at 755 (rwxr-xr-x) and files at 644 (rw-r--r--). This lets the web server read files and traverse directories while preventing others from writing. Executable scripts may need 755.

How do I make a file executable in Linux?

Run chmod +x filename to add the execute bit for all users, or chmod 755 filename to set full owner permissions plus read/execute for others.

What does ls -l show about file permissions?

The first column of ls -l output shows permissions in symbolic form, e.g. -rwxr-xr-x. The first character is the file type (- for file, d for directory, l for symlink). The next nine characters are three rwx groups for owner, group, and other.

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