chmod 755 vs 775
| Property | chmod 755 | chmod 775 |
|---|---|---|
| Octal | 755 |
775 |
| Symbolic | rwxr-xr-x |
rwxrwxr-x |
| Owner | read/write/execute | read/write/execute |
| Group | read/execute | read/write/execute |
| Others | read/execute | read/execute |
| Risk Level | Low Risk | Moderate |
| Typical Use | Standard Linux directories and folder structures | Collaborative shared project directories for engineering teams |
Key Difference
- Group: chmod 755 grants read/execute (5), while chmod 775 grants read/write/execute (7).
Which Should You Use?
The difference between chmod 755 and chmod 775 centers entirely on group write permissions. In a 755 directory, only the file owner can create, rename, or delete files inside; group members and public users can only read and enter the folder. This is the optimal configuration for single-user workstations, personal hosting setups, and standard web application directories where files are updated by a single deployment process. In contrast, chmod 775 grants write access to all members of the assigned group, making it the preferred standard for shared development folders and collaborative team directories where multiple engineers or service accounts need to write to the same location. If you are working in a multi-user team environment, pair chmod 775 with the setgid bit (chmod 2775) so newly created files automatically inherit the parent directory group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 755 more secure than 775?
Yes, 755 is more restrictive because it prevents members of the directory group from modifying, renaming, or deleting contents. Use 755 unless multiple local user accounts genuinely need collaborative write access to the same folder.
Can I convert 755 to 775?
Yes. You can add group write permission using symbolic notation "chmod g+w directory" or set octal permissions directly with "chmod 775 directory".
Which is better for web servers?
For single-user web hosting, 755 is preferred. If multiple local developers or deployment scripts belong to the web server group (e.g., www-data) and need to upload or modify assets, 775 is the appropriate choice.
Related Permissions & Comparisons
Read in-depth breakdowns for chmod 755 (rwxr-xr-x) and chmod 775 (rwxrwxr-x), or browse other permission comparisons: