Zest.

chmod calculator

Unix file permissions are three groups of three bits: read (4), write (2) and execute (1) for the owner, the group and everyone else. Add the numbers in each group to get one digit, so rwxr-xr-x is 7, 5, 5, or 755.

chmod calculator
ReadWriteExecute
Owner
Group
Others
755rwxr-xr-x

Typical for programs and directories: the owner has full access; everyone else can read and execute.

How to use it

  1. Tick the permissions you want, or type a number such as 644.
  2. Read the numeric and symbolic forms.
  3. Copy the command and run it on your file.

This tool is also built into Zest search, so you can type your question into the search box and get the same answer above the results.

Common questions

What does chmod 755 mean?
The owner can read, write and execute. The group and everyone else can read and execute. It is typical for programs and directories.
What does chmod 644 mean?
The owner can read and write. Everyone else can only read. It is typical for regular files such as web pages.
Is chmod 777 safe?
Rarely. It lets every user on the machine modify the file. Prefer the minimum permissions that work, usually 755 or 644.