When using Eagle on macOS, you might encounter issues where the app cannot create files/folders or has permission problems for editing and adding content. These problems typically stem from several common causes. This guide will help you identify and resolve these permission issues.

Common Causes and Solutions

Hard Drive Format Incompatibility

If your hard drive uses non-native formats (instead of APFS or HFS+), you may experience problems:

NTFS-formatted drives only support read operations on macOS by default, not write operations
For more details, see: Libraries stored in portable storages cannot be accessed by both Windows and macOS
Recommended solution: Convert your hard drive format to APFS or HFS+

Third-Party NTFS Drivers

If you're using NTFS-formatted drives with third-party plugins:

Ensure Tuxera NTFS or Paragon NTFS plugins are up to date
We don't recommend using these plugins on macOS due to potential performance issues
For more information, see: Why We Don't Recommend Using Tuxera NTFS / Paragon NTFS on macOS

External Hard Drive Connection Issues

Even with properly formatted external drives, hardware connections can cause problems:

Check if your USB extender is unstable
Try connecting the external hard drive directly to your computer

Incorrect Permission Settings

If none of the above situations apply, check folder permissions:

Right-click on the library folder > Get Info
Ensure the file is not set as "Locked" (uncheck if it is)
Verify the logged-in user has "Read & Write" permissions for that path

Testing File Operations

To verify if permissions are working correctly:

Use Finder to open the library folder
Try copying a file from another folder and pasting it into this location
Attempt to create a new folder in this path

Important Notes

Always ensure your Eagle library is stored on a file system that supports full read/write permissions
When using external storage devices, prioritize direct connections over USB hubs
Regularly check for system and third-party plugin updates to avoid compatibility issues

How to Troubleshoot Permission Issues on macOS