diff --git a/.github/CONTRIBUTING.md b/.github/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 8538a7897c..0fdba492c2 100644
--- a/.github/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/.github/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ Before submitting, please make sure the following is done:
 
 1. There are tests that cover the changes.
 2. Ensure `./tools/test.py` passes.
-3. Format your code with `deno ./tools/format.ts --allow-run`.
+3. Format your code with `deno ./tools/format.ts --allow-read --allow-run`.
 4. Make sure `./tools/lint.py` passes.
 
 ## Changes to `third_party`
diff --git a/Docs.md b/Docs.md
index b029874d81..50600f362c 100644
--- a/Docs.md
+++ b/Docs.md
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ Extra steps for Windows users:
     ./tools/test.py
 
     # Format code.
-    deno ./tools/format.ts
+    deno ./tools/format.ts --allow-read --allow-run
 
 Other useful commands:
 
diff --git a/tools/format.ts b/tools/format.ts
index e5e0b4bf62..d6cfc8ec40 100755
--- a/tools/format.ts
+++ b/tools/format.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-#!/usr/bin/env deno --allow-run
+#!/usr/bin/env deno --allow-read --allow-run
 // Copyright 2018-2019 the Deno authors. All rights reserved. MIT license.
 import * as deno from "deno";
 import { join } from "../js/deps/https/deno.land/x/std/fs/path.ts";