• Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Knowledge Base

Understanding File Permissions in DirectAdmin

File and Folder Permissions Explained

Proper permissions keep your website secure while allowing it to function.

Permission Numbers

NumberPermission
0No permission
1Execute
2Write
4Read

Add numbers together: Read(4) + Write(2) = 6

Common Permission Settings

  • 644 - Files (owner read/write, others read)
  • 755 - Folders (owner full, others read/execute)
  • 600 - Private files (owner read/write only)
  • 777 - Full access (AVOID - security risk!)

Changing Permissions in DirectAdmin

  1. Open File Manager
  2. Select the file or folder
  3. Click Chmod in the toolbar
  4. Enter the permission number or check boxes
  5. Click Save

WordPress Recommended Permissions

  • Files: 644
  • Folders: 755
  • wp-config.php: 600

Troubleshooting Permission Errors

If you see "Permission denied" errors:

  1. Check the file/folder permissions
  2. Make sure the owner is correct
  3. Set folders to 755 and files to 644