Frequently Asked Questions:

Why can’t I save any changes when editing my files in the Theme Editor? Why does it say “if this file were writable, you could edit it”?

Sometimes, when you install WordPress and ProPhoto, and try to edit your theme files in the Theme Editor for the first time is says something like: “You need to make this file writable before you can save your changes. See the Codex for more information.”

This is caused by permissions set wrong on the files WordPress is trying to edit. Sometimes during the process of FTPing files, permissions get messed up. To fix this, change the permissions on the files that aren’t working to “777″ or “0777.” You can do this within FTP programs, or in your file manager. You can see how to change permissions in the end of this video about using a file manager.

Questions? Instead of emailing for support, leave a comment below so everyone can benefit from any clarification.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 9th, 2008 and is filed under Customizing ProPhoto, Frequently Asked Questions, Installation. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

12 Responses to “Why can’t I save any changes when editing my files in the Theme Editor? Why does it say “if this file were writable, you could edit it”?”

  1. On May 18th, 2008 at 11:22 am Chad said:

    Changed the permissions to the blog files on my cpanel to 777, refreshed everything (multiply times) and still will not allow to edit. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

  2. On May 19th, 2008 at 9:55 am Chad said:

    Nevermind! Figured it out. Go to wp-content folder, don’t just stop at the “blog” folder. Duh!

  3. On May 26th, 2008 at 9:52 pm Ashley said:

    I am having the same problem. I changed all my permissions, but when I attempt to change the flashfader under the wp-content folder it says I am not allowed to do that. The permission stays at 0755

  4. On May 27th, 2008 at 6:04 am Jared said:

    @Ashley: you shouldn’t have to manually set the permissions for the “flashfader” folder. did the plugin tell you had to do this?

  5. On May 27th, 2008 at 10:31 am Lora said:

    Jared,

    Ditto. When I try to manage the Flashfader I receive the message about changing permissions. I did - mulitple times in cPanel. I’ve checked and rechecked, refreshed, emptied the cache in Safari, etc. All my permission for wp-content are 777 except for the wp-content/uploads - which said that function couldn’t be performed. I just kept getting the yellow box with the error message about changing permissions. Help?

  6. On May 27th, 2008 at 10:40 am Lora said:

    Jared,

    I decided to deactivate the flashfader plugin thinking it may not like the permissions change after the activation. Once I reactivated the flashfader plugin - voila. Thx.

  7. On May 27th, 2008 at 10:54 pm Tamara said:

    Oh boy..I need help ASAP..I was trying to change the permissions and now my entire site is DOWN and I cant access the blog or anything.i am getting a 403 error! HELP!

  8. On May 28th, 2008 at 8:17 am Jared said:

    @Tamara: i just sent you an email. i’ll try to help. it should be just a matter of resetting some permissions. it’s very unlikely you did any permanent damage!

  9. On June 10th, 2008 at 9:16 pm Siobhan said:

    I have changed all my permissions to 777 in filezilla ( admin , content and includes ) no help still getting “You need to make this file writable before you can save your changes. See the Codex for more information.’

    Any more ideas??

  10. On June 11th, 2008 at 6:51 am Jared said:

    @Siobhan: try setting the permissions for all of the files inside the “prophoto” folder to 777

  11. On June 24th, 2008 at 10:35 am Matt said:

    I am trying to make the code changes using your tutorial for flashfader and am also struggling with making the files writable so I can change and save them. I have changed about every permission in my blog folder from the cPanel to 777, still unsuccessful. What else should I try?

  12. On June 24th, 2008 at 7:03 pm admin said:

    @Matt: if it’s the flashfader you’re struggling with, try making the folder “wp-content” writeable (777). its in your main blog folder.

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