Like Windows and other operating systems, macOS also lets its users restrict file access through a complex set of file permissions. This could be done via the finder app or by the chmod command in Mac’s terminal. In this guide, we will show you how to set file permissions on macOS using the Finder app.
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Setting File Permissions on Mac
Here’s how you can do it:
- Start by launching the Finder app on the Dock at the bottom of your screen. The finder app icon looks like a smiling happy Mac logo.
- Navigate to the file or folder that you want to set permission on. Hover your mouse cursor over it and right-click.
- Select “Get Info” option from the context menu that appears on the right-click.
- All the information regarding your file or folder will be displayed in the “Info” window. Click on the arrow next to the “Sharing & Permissions” option.
- A list of accounts or user groups will be displayed under the “Privilege” category with the access levels.
- To set the file permission, click on the “+” button at the bottom of the window.
- Choose the “Users & Groups” and then click on the “Select” button.
If the access level is set to “Read Only” the user can only read the file but is unable to edit it. Whereas, if it’s set to the “Read & Write” level, then a user can do both i.e. read and write the file.
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