chmod 711 meaning

711 rwx--x--x

The owner can read, write and execute; the group and everyone else can execute.

When to use 711

Home or parent folders others must pass through (to reach public_html) without listing what is inside.

What each digit allows

Read = 4, write = 2, execute = 1. Each digit is the sum for one group of users.

Who	Digit	Symbolic	Read	Write	Execute
Owner (u)	7	rwx	Yes	Yes	Yes
Group (g)	1	--x	No	No	Yes
Others (o)	1	--x	No	No	Yes

On a folder, read lists its contents, write adds or deletes files in it, and execute lets you open it (cd into it).

Commands

One file or folder, a folder with everything inside it, or only the folders inside a folder:

chmod 711 folder
chmod -R 711 folder/
find folder/ -type d -exec chmod 711 {} +

In cPanel: File Manager → right-click → Change Permissions, and tick the boxes until the number shows 711.

Try other permissions

Tick or untick the boxes to see the number, the symbolic form and the command.

	Read	Write	Execute
Owner
Group
Everyone else

Special bits (setuid, setgid, sticky)

setuid setgid sticky

Common values

Octal

Symbolic

Command

-R

Compare

Frequently asked questions

What does chmod 711 mean?

Each digit is the sum of read (4), write (2) and execute (1), for the owner, the group and everyone else. 711 = 7 / 1 / 1, so the owner can read, write and execute; the group and everyone else can execute (rwx--x--x).

Should I use 711 for files or for folders?

711 includes execute, which on a folder means "may open it". It suits folders and scripts; for ordinary files use the same number without execute (600).

How do I set 711 in cPanel?

In File Manager, right-click the file or folder, choose Change Permissions, and tick the boxes so the number shows 711. Over SSH: chmod 711 path (add -R to include everything inside a folder).