How to Change file or folder Permissions on Server with Picture walk through.
Usually, folders and files within your web server have already been assigned permissions at install time either 644 or 755. You usually see PHP files with permissions set to 644 if the web server is configured to use PHP.
You may come across a situation in which you’re asked to edit and change the file permissions on a particular file on your web server. Example would be a cache file which usually needs 777 permissions. For reading writing and executing a script in PHP.
With WordPress sites, this usually happens when adding a plugin or a theme file. This practice is also called “CHMOD” or Change Mode.
When a file permissions need to be changed in order for the file to function properly,
“You may need to CHMOD a file to 755 from 644”
Here are some quick and easy steps for using your FTP program to CHMOD a file, or to edit its permissions on your webserver:
Connect your FTP client to your web server using hostname, username and ftp password available from your hosting service provider.
Right click with your mouse to get more options
Choose File Permissions to open the file attributes box.
Your FTP client may use different language but basically they are the same
The Change File Attributes opens. (see below)
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Type the correct number in the Numeric Value text field either 644 or 755.
This is the number assigned to the permissions you want to give the file.
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You are given directions by the plugin or theme developer on which permissions number to assign to the file or folder, and typically, it’s either 644 or 755.
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You see the permissions are assigned as 644.
Click OK.
The file saves with the new permissions assigned to it.