UMASK(1,C) AIX Commands Reference UMASK(1,C) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- umask PURPOSE Displays and sets file-creation permission code mask. SYNTAX +-------+ umask ---| |---| +- nnn -+ DESCRIPTION The umask command sets your file-creation mask to nnn, three octal digits that represent the read/write/execute permissions for owner, group, and others, respectively. When you create a file the system ANDs the complement of nnn to 777 for directories and 666 for files, in effect removing the corresponding permissions. (See "chmod" for more information on file and directory permission codes.) If you do not specify nnn, umask displays the current value of your file-creation permission code mask. The initial system mask (set in /etc/profile) is "022". The umask command is actually a built-in subcommand of the sh and csh commands. EXAMPLES 1. To display the current file creation mask: umask 2. To prevent other people from writing to the directories or files you create in the future: umask 022 This sets the file creation mask to "022", which takes away write permission for group members and others. Directories are created with the permission code "755". Files are created with "644". 3. To prevent other people from using your files: umask 077 Processed November 8, 1990 UMASK(1,C) 1 UMASK(1,C) AIX Commands Reference UMASK(1,C) This sets the file creation mask to "077", which removes read, write, and execute permission for group members and others. Now files are created with permission code "600". RELATED INFORMATION See the following commands: "chmod," "csh," and "sh, Rsh." See the creat, chmod, mknod, open, and umask calls in AIX Operating System Technical Reference. See the discussion of file permissions in Using the AIX Operating System. See the discussion of tailoring the user environment in Managing the AIX Operating System. Processed November 8, 1990 UMASK(1,C) 2