Understanding the Matrix
How to interpret the matrix view: abbreviations, tooltips, and permission types at a glance.
2 minute read
Introduction
The matrix view in the NTFS analysis of Docusnap365 shows in detail which rights a principal (user or group) has on a specific folder. To work effectively with it, it is important to understand the abbreviations and visual logic.
Structure of the Matrix
The matrix consists of:
- Rows: Principals (users, groups, SIDs)
- Columns: Individual permissions or permission groups
- Cells: Green checks indicate active permissions
Depending on the analysis mode, share, NTFS, and effective permissions are displayed in combination.
Abbreviations and Their Meanings
Basic Permissions
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Full Control | Full access to the object |
| Modify | Modify |
| ReadExec | Read, Execute |
| ListFolder | Display folder contents |
| Read | Read |
| Write | Write |
Advanced Permissions
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Traverse | Exec | Traverse folder / Execute file |
| List | ReadFile | List folder / Read file |
| ReadAttr | Read attributes |
| ReadExtAttr | Read extended attributes |
| CreateFile | Write | Create files / Write |
| CreateDir | Append | Create folders / Append data |
| WriteAttr | Write attributes |
| WriteExtAttr | Write extended attributes |
| DelSubFolders | Delete subfolders and files |
| Delete | Delete |
| ReadPerm | Read permissions |
| ChangePerm | Change permissions |
| TakeOwn | Take ownership |
Inheritance Context
| Abbreviation | Scope of the Permission |
|---|---|
| ThisFolder | This folder only |
| FolderSubFiles | This folder, subfolders, and files |
| FolderSub | This folder and subfolders |
| FolderFiles | This folder and files |
| SubFoldersFiles | Subfolders and files only |
| SubFolders | Subfolders only |
| FilesOnly | Files only |
Tip: When you hover over a column header, a tooltip with the full description will automatically appear.
Additional Notes on the Display
- Effective permissions are highlighted and combine explicit, inherited, and share permissions.
- Unresolvable SIDs also appear in the matrix — usually shown with a numeric value.
- User status (active/inactive) may be visually highlighted by color or icon.
Summary
The matrix enables:
- a complete overview of assigned permissions,
- a detailed distinction between sources of rights (explicit, inherited, share),
- targeted identification of permission anomalies.
It is therefore the central tool for audits, cleanup, and permission management.