Changing WordPress Upload Directory File Permissions

Quick How-to here on folder permissions to allow for WordPress image uploading. Some have reported seeing an error similar to below.

This error is confusing for non-technical users. How to fix it?

Well, it turns out it’s pretty easy. First, you need to make sure you have an FTP client. This will allow you to manage files and folders directly on your server. Be aware of the dangers of FTP, however, and if you have the option, use Secure FTP (SFTP) or SSH instead.

For Mac users, I highly recommend Transmit from Panic software. Fetch is a solid second. Windows users can look at Filezilla.

Having done that, log into your server with your FTP credentials (ask your host if you don’t know this). Browse to your wp-content/ folder. Highlight the uploads/ folder. If it doesn’t exist, create it.

Right click or context click and look for an option to change permission or view information about the folder. In that dialog, there will likely be a setting for changing file permissions. Every FTP client is slightly different, so poke around a bit if it’s not readily obvious.

Once you find the permission settings, set the permission number to 777 (or Read, Write, Execute for User, Group and All). This is a very liberal permission setting and not to be used everywhere. Only on this directory!. You can apply the permission to all files and folders underneath this folder if you’d like.

If you want to login via SSH and apply the same permission setting, you can issue this command:

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For more information about using WordPress, setting permissions or FTP security, make sure you buy my book, the WordPress Bible.