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Chmod 711

chmod 711 sets the permissions to rwx--x--x: it gives the owner full access and lets everyone else only execute. Here is exactly what that allows on files and directories, when to use it, and the commands to apply it.

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ClassreadwriteexecuteValue
owner7
group1
others1
Common:
$ chmod 711 file.sh
$ chmod u=rwx,g=x,o=x file.sh
  • • The owner can read, write and execute.
  • • The group can execute.
  • • Everyone else can execute.

What chmod 711 means

WhoDigitLettersOn a fileOn a directory
owner 7 rwx Can read, modify and run Can list files, create, delete and rename files and enter it and open files
group 1 --x Can run Can enter it and open files
others 1 --x Can run Can enter it and open files

Each digit is the sum of read (4), write (2) and execute (1). In ls -l output it looks like this: 

$ ls -l
drwx--x--x  2 alice  staff  4096 Oct 21 10:30 example-dir
  • The owner can read, write and execute.
  • The group can execute.
  • Everyone else can execute.

When to use 711

  • Directories others traverse but can’t list
  • Binaries that must not be copied

On a directory, 711 lets other users pass through to known paths without being able to list the contents. On a compiled binary, others can run it but can’t read or copy it. Shell scripts are different: the interpreter has to read the file, so a script with 711 fails for everyone but the owner.

Is chmod 711 safe?

Yes, for directories others traverse but can’t list. Other users can execute it, but can’t change it. Don’t use it for files that contain secrets.

Commands

# One file or directory
chmod 711 path

# Same thing in symbolic form
chmod u=rwx,g=x,o=x path

# Every directory under a tree (leaves files alone)
find /path/to/dir -type d -exec chmod 711 {} +

# Check the result
stat -c '%a %A %n' path    # Linux
stat -f '%Lp %Sp %N' path  # macOS

Avoid chmod -R 711 on a whole tree: it gives files and directories the same mode. The find form above changes only directories.

Compare with similar modes

ModeSymbolicDifference
751 rwxr-x--x Lets the owner do everything, the group read and execute, and others only execute

Other chmod values

777 · 775 · 770 · 755 · 751 · 750 · 744 · 700 · 666 · 664 · 660 · 644 · 640 · 600 · 555 · 500 · 444 · 400 · 000 · 1777 · 2775 · 4755

Need a different combination? Use the Chmod Calculator.

Sources

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Frequently asked questions

What does chmod 711 mean?

chmod 711 sets the permissions to rwx--x--x. The owner can read, write and execute. The group can execute. Everyone else can execute.

Is chmod 711 safe?

Yes, for directories others traverse but can’t list. Other users can execute it, but can’t change it. Don’t use it for files that contain secrets.