Chmod Permission Generator

Generate Unix file permission codes visually — calculate chmod values with checkboxes

What Is a Chmod Permission Generator?

A chmod permission generator is a visual tool that helps you construct Unix/Linux file permission codes by selecting read, write, and execute permissions for owner, group, and others. Instead of memorizing that 755 means rwxr-xr-x (owner has all permissions, group and others can read and execute), you check boxes for each permission and the tool calculates the numeric code and symbolic notation automatically.

Unix file permissions are fundamental to Linux server administration, Docker container configuration, CI/CD pipeline setup, and any deployment involving file system operations. Incorrect permissions are a common source of deployment failures (permission denied errors), security vulnerabilities (world-writable files), and application bugs (scripts that cannot execute). A visual calculator eliminates the mental math of converting between numeric codes and human-readable permissions.

How to Generate Chmod Permission Codes

1. Use the checkbox grid to select read (r), write (w), and execute (x) for owner, group, and others
2. The numeric code (like 755) and symbolic notation (rwxr-xr-x) update in real time
3. Or enter a numeric code to see which permissions it represents visually
4. Review the human-readable explanation of what each entity can do with the file
5. Copy the chmod command (chmod 755 filename) for use in your terminal or scripts

Why Use PinusX Chmod Generator?

PinusX calculates chmod values with 100% client-side processing. While permission codes themselves are not sensitive, they often reflect your security posture and deployment configuration. PinusX processes everything locally in your browser, consistent with its privacy-first approach. No data is transmitted, no analytics track your permission choices, and no server processes your input. In November 2025, jsonformatter.org leaked over 80,000 user credentials from server-side processing — highlighting why even simple developer tools should run client-side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does chmod 755 mean?

chmod 755 means: Owner has read (4) + write (2) + execute (1) = 7. Group has read (4) + execute (1) = 5. Others have read (4) + execute (1) = 5. In symbolic notation: rwxr-xr-x. This is the standard permission for executable files and directories that everyone should be able to access but only the owner can modify.

What is the difference between 644 and 755?

644 (rw-r--r--) is for regular files: owner can read and write, everyone else can only read. 755 (rwxr-xr-x) adds execute permission: owner can read, write, and execute, everyone else can read and execute. Use 644 for data files and 755 for scripts, programs, and directories.

What does the execute permission mean for directories?

For directories, the execute (x) permission means the ability to access the directory contents — you need it to cd into a directory or list its files. Without execute on a directory, users cannot enter or access anything inside it, even if they have read permission. This is why directories typically need 755 or 750.

How do special permissions work (setuid, setgid, sticky)?

Special permissions add a fourth digit: setuid (4) makes executables run as the file owner, setgid (2) makes files inherit group ownership, and sticky bit (1) prevents deletion by non-owners in shared directories. For example, chmod 1755 sets the sticky bit. /tmp typically has permissions 1777 so anyone can create files but only owners can delete them.

Your data never leaves your browser. 100% client-side processing.