# Understanding permissions files
<a name="security-authorization-file-create"></a>

You can create a custom permissions file or update an existing permissions file using your preferred text editor. A permissions file typically takes the following format:

```
#import file_to_import

[groups]
group_definitions
				
[aliases]
alias_definitions
				
[permissions]
user_permissions
```

The following sections explain how to populate the sections when updating or creating a permissions file.

**Topics**
+ [Importing a permissions file](security-authorization-file-create-import.md)
+ [Creating groups](security-authorization-file-create-group.md)
+ [Creating aliases](security-authorization-file-create-alias.md)
+ [Adding permissions](security-authorization-file-create-permission.md)