The npm default directory to a different directory you have read and write permissions Many times you may not want to change the default directory npm used (such as / usr) owner, as this can cause some problems, such as you share with other users when this system. At this point, you can set npm entirely to use another directory. I set it to a hidden directory for my home folder under the (command + shift +> can view hidden files and directories). 1 , to create a global directory as the installation: mkdir ~ / Global .npm- 2 , arranged to use the new directory npm: npm config SET prefix '~ / .npm-Global' . 3, open (not created) a "~ / .profile "file into your global directory and add the following line of code (this step is not in the command line, and add in the new file you created): Export the PATH = ~ / .npm-, Ltd. Free Join / bin: the PATH $ 4 , return command line, update the system variables: Source ~ / .profile