Gameplay Overhaul Mod
Disabling Seasions But Keeping its Stuff - Want to disable weather or make plants in season year-round? You can do so with my new Seasons Tuner Mod
Improving Sims 4: The past month, I've spent every day tinkering The Sims 4, making quality of life improvements, gameplay changes, and new difficulty settings for the game. If you'd like to learn more about my project, visit the post on Patreon where you can download it now.
Expand your Sims 4 Experience with Free Downloads
Custom Content brings additional hair, objects, and other downloads to the game. Mods expand on the gameplay or alter it in some way.
Note about Mod Help
Do not bother asking us for help with mod/cc issues. Go to the mod author on a forum/site they frequent or where they host their content. The mod author knows their work and can help you better than us, additionally they may appreciate bug reports!
Tutorial: How to Install Mods and Custom Content in The Sims 4
A tutorial teaching players how to install custom content and mods for The Sims 4 via a pair of examples, also seeks to define the different meanings between the two.
About Mods and Custom Content
Mods and Custom Content are wildly popular among Sims 4 players, but if you're new to the franchise you may be unaware what treasures await those who ravenously scour the web for the latest downloads. There is far more free content available to download than is included in the base game and all game/stuff packs combined. In this guide, I'll teach you how to install CC and mods, explain what they are and offer some direction on where to go from here by providing links to sites where you can binge-download CC for your game.
What is CC?
Custom Content is simple compared to mods, thought they can sometimes take as much time to make. CC is hair, textures, objects, and clothing that can be downloaded and easily added to your game. You'll find everything from wall patterns, to dressers, earrings, and beautiful flowing gowns. Since CC creators don't have to think about system requirements like Maxis does, and can also sink more time into each piece, they can make truly beautiful additions to the game that greatly enhance the graphics (especially in the case of hair) and increase the number of options available to the player. More options and better looking swag are what CC is all about.
Modthesims.info is one of the best sites out there for downloading both CC and Mods for The Sims
What are Mods
Mods are game modifications to the Sims 4, pure and simple. Practically any game that is moddable has mods. They may enhance a feature, or introduce entirely new features. Mod creators work hard to make sure their content is stable and adds the functionality that is described when they share it with the Sims community. Some mods greatly enhance gameplay, make minor adjustments to how things work (like how often objects break), or simply fix something that irritates a lot of players. Mod creators sometimes fix bugs before EA does, and may at times be more in tune with the community's desires for how something should work. For example, door locks were released in a patch, but first came in the form of a mod.
None of these things are meant to criticize Maxis/The Sims Studio, who are doing a wonderful job developing a game that's worth modding, but when you have all the hundreds or thousands of people who partake in adjusting the game and creating custom content for it, there's naturally many more hands working to make improvements and content for it.
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How to Install CC and Mods
Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods is the folder you need in order to install mods and cc. Sims/lots go inside the Tray folder.
Installing Mods in The Sims 4
The process for downloading both CC and Mods is the same, so we will cover them both at once. They are installed in Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods. Open Windows Explorer or Finder on Mac. Click your Documents folder, Electronic Arts, then The Sims 4. If you have trouble finding it, look for the Users folder on C:, click the User of the PC (in my case, Carl) then proceed to Documents (or My Documents) and go from there. For windows users, Documents is usually on the left in the menu as you can see in the screenshot.
In order to use CC, Mods, and Script Mods, you must first enable them in the game's options menu. For Script Mods to work, the first box must be checked. Read below to learn about Script Mods.
Turn on Mods in the Menu
Since a patch was released, players now need to enable mods through the options menu. Press ESC > Options > Other. From there, select Enable Custom Content and Mods. After a patch, you may need to turn this back on.
Similarly, for Houses that contain CC that you Cannot See in My Library using the Gallery
If you've downloaded a house from a site that isn't from the Gallery, it goes to the Library. Select View Content by > Others from the left side of the window within the My Library section of the Gallery, unless you're the one who made it. Look to the above section on enabling CC in order to see houses with CC in your library properly. On the bottom left of the Libary screen, click advanced and the 'Include Custom Content' checkbox. You'll need to do this if you've downloaded houses that contain CC from other websites. Without doing so, houses that include CC will not appear in your Library..
If you still can't find the house try turning off online features access so that gallery houses will not appear in the list, you'll see much less and it'll be easier to locate. Go to Game Options > Other from the escape menu and toggle this setting. This will in effect turn off the gallery option. This may help finding content you've added to the game, and you can turn the gallery back on afterward. (Thanks for the tip, MrsFlynn!). Otherwise, make sure the home is in the right folder by following the instruction in this guide.
The Mods Folder
Next, find or create the Mods folder. It should already be there, but if it's not you can right click in the white area within The Sims 4 folder and create a folder, being sure to name it Mods. The game automatically recognizes and attempts to utilize anything in this folder. So, once we download CC, we'll copy the files to that folder. Tip: You can have other folders inside the Mods folder, so if you'd like to separate out your CC and Mods in to separate folders, or even categorize them by object/clothing type, you can do so! Additionally, Forum member RandyH notes that it's possible to rename mods so long as you keep the .package at the end of the file name. This can make your organization even simpler, and possibly help you track things down easier. All of this is actually a good idea should you run into a mod or piece of CC that gives you trouble, so that it's easier to find and remove.
Script mods are a special type of Mod that must remain inside a zip file in order to work. You must also go to the game options menu (ESC > Game Options > Other > Script Mods Allowed) to enable them. You can see this section in the menu in the screenshot further up where you also enable normal Mods and CC.
It's worth noting there is another folder here, Tray. That folder contains the households you've created but NOT saved to the gallery. It is also where you install Sims and Lots. This folder is important regardless, so you can avoid creating or downloading them all again.
Installing
Installing is pretty much hands off and you've just got to put them in the Mods folder, but you will sometimes have to deal with zip files. Remember, script mods are NOT unzipped, but everything else should be. Newer mods may have the .ts4script extension which you can leave alone (thanks, DarkWalker). If it's a .package file, you're fine - just right click it and cut or copy it, go to the Mods folder and paste. If it's a zip, click it and look inside. Double click the zip and look at the file type of the file inside - is it a pyc or .package at the end of the file name? If the zip contains a .pyc file, it is a script mod and should remain zipped.* If it's a .package, you need to copy that and any other package files from the zip and copy them to the mods folder. Pictures and instructions inside the zip are usually unnecessary. Sometimes mod creators give you these very instructions - "Extract .package file, copy it to the Mods folder, enjoy"!
* About .pyo files - Files ending in pyo are no longer supported due to an update to the base level of python Sims 4 uses, meaning it is definitely an out of date mod if this is the case.
If you download a Sim or House/Lot from a place other than the Gallery, it will go in the Tray folder, not the Mods folder.
Backing up Saved Games, Mods, and CC
You can backup your Mods and CC just as you can Save files, and it's smart to do this in case of disaster. Copy them to another drive or a USB stick and they're safe from hard drive failure. Head to your Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4 folder. Right click each of those three important folders - Saves, Tray, and Mods. Copy them then paste in a new location, where you know to find them. Should you have to reinstall the game or wipe everything, you've got a copy of your Sims families, and kept your collection of CC and Mods. These are precious because it takes time to build up a collection, and losing dozens of downloads can be a major nuisance.
Sims 4 Mod Manager
There is an option for those of you who do not want to deal with unzipping files and would like the ability to easily enable/disable mods. Raxdiam's Sims 4 Mod Manager is a solution for that. It's got a lot of features, is fairly easy to use, and if you explore the site you can even find a video explaining how to use it.
Links to CC/Mod Sites
Lumialoversims is one of many talented custom content creators for The Sims 4.
The following are sites that are well-known for hosting CC and Mods. I want to say that I'm not responsible for anything you see or that happens as a result of using these sites. I'm putting those we're all most familiar with up top, as they're in general the best places to go to download things for Sims. Many creators have their own blogs, and they're worth following if you like their work. The two big sites up front here host many items though, and should be visited by anyone interested in expanding their game. You can then explore people's tumblr/wordpress blogs and find creators whose work you enjoy, follow them, and enjoy a better Sims game. Some CC creators specialize in hair, others clothing and some make a mix of everything.
There are many, many bloggers I'm leaving out but am just giving you a place to get started. If you like a creator's work, follow them and you'll see their various updates. If you like a particular CC creator, share the link here and give them some exposure. I'll check it out and add some of them to the list, as well.
Note about Mod Help
Do not bother asking us for help with mod/cc issues. Go to the mod author on a forum/site they frequent or where they host their content. The mod author knows their work and can help you better than us, additionally they may appreciate bug reports!
If you like my sites and Youtube Channel, consider supporting me on Patreon to help me to continue. How You Can Support The Site and Channel
Gameplay Overhaul Mod
Check Out My Youtube Channel!
We now have a Youtube Channel with over 50 guides in video format to go along with the huge site I've already created. Check it out and consider subscribing if you like my style.
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Comments (173)
Page 1 of 7
Topic: http://carls-sims-4-guide.com/tutorials/mods-cc.php
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New
DarkWalker
3
30
Aug 2015
First Poster
DarkWalkersays...
About script mods: as of patch 1.9 those can now come as a .ts4script file instead of a .zip file, so saying that they must remain inside a zip isn't completely accurate anymore.
(A .ts4script file is just a .zip file with the name changed; the option was added because having to leave .zip files in the mods folder was confusing for many players. It also helps deal with browsers and operating systems that automatically unzip files.)
16
Admin
Carl
172
1489
Jul 2015
Carlsays...
Thank you as always, I've updated the page to reflect this.
10
New
Zayda
1
3
Jan 2017
Zaydasays...
I don't think this is a very clear guide only because, you kept saying how that if you didn't do it from the gallery it would end up somewhere else but if you did do it from the gallery where would it be?I looked in my mods folder....
3
Admin
Playalot
3508
3002
Jan 2016
Top Poster
Most Likes
Playalotsays...
Houses always end up in the Library. To see items (houses,lots, rooms, sims) that you have downloaded that have custom content you need to enable CC in your library view.
Nothing will go into your mods folder that has not been placed there by you. Using the mods folder for mods you have downloaded from a creators site is a different thing altogether than viewing items in your library.
Hopefully this makes it a little clearer, it is a confusing system until you've used it once. :)
1
New
celeste821
1
4
Apr 2017
celeste821says...
Yes I am still confused, how are script mods different from mods and how to tell. I have quite a few zips but don't know if I should unzip or what
4
New
kit
2
0
Nov 2017
kitsays...
my sims has now allow cc option, what do i do?
Regular
Zoe
14
68
Aug 2015
Zoesays...
You might want to add that in oder for some CC to work laptop mode must be off
15
New
Oksana
2
9
Sep 2015
Oksanasays...
How to rotate picture? Thanks!
Admin: If you mean in-game, there isn't a way to do this. If you mean in general then any good editing program will do the trick. There are too many to list! Just google photo editors.
4
New
JonMom2009
1
6
Sep 2015
JonMom2009says...
How do zipped .bpi files work when downloading cc?
6
Senior
MrsFlynn
210
130
Jan 2016
MrsFlynnsays...
.bpi files are associated with the files that make up a house in Sims 4.
Lots and Sims use several different types of files. Both use a type known as .trayitem . Lots also use .blueprint and .bpi files, while Sims use .hhi, .sgi and .householdbinary files. These files can be installed by extracting them from the archive file they are in, and placing them in the Tray folder; there is no need to do anything else to them.
----------
Reference Link:
http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-4/Help-installing-custom-content-for-sims-4/td-p/4324563
2
New
emilia
1
4
Sep 2015
emiliasays...
I antecedent deleted my mods folder I want to download cc what do i do please help thank you.
4
New
Zombie138
2
9
Nov 2015
Zombie138says...
you can simply create new folder and name it Mods.
7
New
kare
1
1
Dec 2018
karesays...
So I didn't have a mods folder in mine and I created it and it didn't work? Help pleasee
1
Admin
Playlot
830
589
Dec 2017
Playlotsays...
Once you have created a mods folder, you then need to download some mods/cc from a creators site and place those items manually into the newly created mods folder - unzipping if needed.
Next, in-game you have to allow mods/cc to be used. Options Menu>Game Options>Other - then check 'Enable Custom Content and Mods' and enable 'Script Mods' if you have downloaded any.
New
PublicMouse
2
7
May 2016
PublicMousesays...
happen same to me ;~;
1
New
Sherene Lim
1
11
Oct 2015
Sherene Limsays...
Hey , does Mac work? i see its only for windows :/
11
Senior
MrsFlynn
210
130
Jan 2016
MrsFlynnsays...
Yes, game mods and custom content can be installed on Mac computers.
How to Install Mods on Mac - BlueBellflora
http://bluebellflora.com/itsaprilxds-how-to-install-mods-on-a-mac-guide-the-sim-4/
5
New
Poppy
3
1
Apr 2016
Poppysays...
I know right, super confused how to do this on my mac
1
New
angel howerd
1
4
Oct 2015
angel howerdsays...
how do you get hair with a zip file
4
New
Zombie138
2
9
Nov 2015
Zombie138says...
if it's a .package file, you need to unzip the file and place the .package file in your Mods folder.
2
New
Qwanni
1
2
Aug 2016
Qwannisays...
actually u have to extract the folder in order to unzip it THEN transfer the files. obviously he needed a step-by-step process
2
Regular
taylor
11
43
Jul 2015
taylorsays...
this webpage was really helpful txs
8
New
Tania Limbers
1
8
Nov 2015
Tania Limberssays...
Thank You so much!
8
New
mari
3
6
Dec 2015
marisays...
I just don't get how to put a sims in the tray file for my sims 4... on my mac
3
Senior
MrsFlynn
210
130
Jan 2016
MrsFlynnsays...
This might help our fellow Mac Simmers --
How to Install Mods on Mac - BlueBellflora
http://bluebellflora.com/itsaprilxds-how-to-install-mods-on-a-mac-guide-the-sim-4/
2
New
jmari
1
6
Dec 2015
jmarisays...
Hi I know How to download mods and I do put my CC in the mods folder. However when I launch my game it comes up with the mods list (as it should) and shows all the CC I downloaded but then when I go to the actual create a Sim some of my CC don't show up?
6
New
Palexis
1
3
Jan 2016
Palexissays...
Do you have script mods enabled in the game options?
3
New
sims12
1
7
Jul 2016
sims12says...
I have enabled it but still the cc i've download didnt show up?
7
Regular
Tara
13
14
Aug 2015
Tarasays...
Have you restarted the game?
New
Rose
9
43
Jul 2015
Rosesays...
If you do not see the download then try and disable it then enable it again
New
BTS
1
0
Nov 2017
BTSsays...
I do, and I have the same problems. :T
New
newt
2
0
Jul 2017
newtsays...
This comment is old but have you solved it? i have the exact same problem...
Admin
Playalot
3508
3002
Jan 2016
Top Poster
Most Likes
Playalotsays...
You can use the filter in CAS specifically for CC so only the CC will show up. It is under the other options such as color etc etc. So just click on your sim clothing (i.e. their top) and set the filter to CC.
1
New
Sky
2
3
Dec 2015
Skysays...
Does this work for the CAS demo?
3
New
Simsilikesims
1
3
Feb 2016
Simsilikesimssays...
This process works for the CAS Demo, which has its own Mods folder, as long as no expansion packs, stuff packs, or game packs are required to use the CC. Just keep in mind that the CAS Demo will only use the CC in its own Mods folder, and not the CC in the Mods folder for the Sims 4 game. The path for the CAS Demo Mods folder is (on Win 7/8/10)
3
New
Jack Smith
1
0
Dec 2016
Jack Smithsays...
Thanks for this article.
New
EmmaTheDeer
1
4
Dec 2015
EmmaTheDeersays...
Im having troubles installing CC.I have windows 10 and WinRAR Doesnt work. Can anyone help me?
4
Senior
MrsFlynn
210
130
Jan 2016
New
Autumn
7
17
Aug 2015
Autumnsays...
I have downloaded tons of custom content from thesimsresource, moved them to my mods folder, and when i open my game they work fine. however, when i did the same with lots and moved them to my tray folder ALL of my content in GONE from my gallery when i start my game. Help!
5
Senior
MrsFlynn
210
130
Jan 2016
MrsFlynnsays...
I am not entirely sure if this will help, but you may try looking in your library for the custom lots.
To see the house/lot in library: [Including custom content houses]
You will need to select View Content By: Others to see the house, unless you made it. Select All. -- Also look for Advanced menu and make sure that the Include Custom Content box has a check mark in it to see creations that include CC, if you're looking for custom content houses you've downloaded from other websites.
6
New
ppopopo
1
6
Jan 2016
ppopoposays...
Well, my question is probably a repeated one because i still can't figure out why my downloaded stuff doesn't show up in the game. yes, I already put them in the Mods folder and they all show up in the script when i open the game. if you answer 'turn on the enable cc' please give me a screenshot because i can't find the enable cc >.<
6
Senior
MrsFlynn
210
130
Jan 2016
MrsFlynnsays...
Here's a link to an article that might help.
Custom Content and Mods - How to Install and Other Info:
http://sims4.crinrict.com/en/2014/08/mods-and-downloads/
Make sure to Enable Custom Content and Mods is checked in Game Options:
Go to Options Menu > Game Options > Other > and make sure custom content on is checked in the Game Options
This is a newer option that EA added in one of the recent patches - Dec 4th patch I believe.
Dec. 4 Patch Notes Update: 12/04/2015
1
New
Sims4Fan
2
2
Jan 2016
Sims4Fansays...
When i go into my sims 4, my mods wont be there... I did put my mods in the right folder, and i do have ressource.cfg... I need help...
1
Admin
Playalot
3508
3002
Jan 2016
Top Poster
Most Likes
Playalotsays...
Have you enabled mods in the games menu?
Options Menu>Game Options>Other> then check 'Enable Custom Content and Mods' and check 'Script Mods Allowed'
New
SimpleSimmer
1
2
Jan 2016
SimpleSimmersays...
I have windows and I have no clue how to download stuff from the Sims Resource. it is really annoying me, I have tried absolutely everything and I have been trying for about 3 weeks. today I have already sat here for 4 hours please help I am being driven to insanity!!!! :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(
2
Admin
Playalot
3508
3002
Jan 2016
Top Poster
Most Likes
Playalotsays...
When you go to their web site go to the sims 4 page by holding your mouse over the word 'downloads' at the top of the page. Then using the drop down menu go to a page you are interested in, say 'clothing' and click.
Choose a sub category to narrow your search down, say 'male'. Once that page loads choose another sub category say 'Teen-Adult-Elder'. When that loads choose another sub category say 'everyday'.
Now just look through the pages until you find something you like and then click on it.
This will bring you to the artists page for that item where you will find a green download button. Click on it.
This will take you to a 10 second add page if you are not a VIP member. Do nothing, just wait for the 10 seconds to count down. Next your download will start automatically. Depending on your web connection it might only take few seconds to download. A window will pop up asking you if you want to open or save your download. I always save the file.
Next I go to my downloads folder (use the search on your PC if you don't know where it is) and I drag the downloaded CC onto my desktop.
From there I name it (if it is not already called what the item is) and I keep it in a folder called TS4 cc new. As I will only place one new CC item in my game at a time to make sure it does not cause bugs etc.
Hope that helps.
1
New
Eliza Shepherd
1
0
Jan 2021
Eliza Shepherdsays...
my documents folder is empty so i can’t put my downloaded content in the right folder. what should i do?
New
Ana
6
8
Jul 2015
Anasays...
Hallo....I have a question...can we resize build lot in Sims4??
1
Admin
Playalot
3508
3002
Jan 2016
Top Poster
Most Likes
Playalotsays...
No, we can not edit the world in The Sims 4.
Building Guide
New
saczi
1
1
Jan 2016
saczisays...
What if I don't a mods folder?
1
Senior
MrsFlynn
210
130
Jan 2016
MrsFlynnsays...
Sims 4 is designed to have a mods folder inside it, as well as a resource.cfg file within the mods folder.
If you don't have one, it's highly recommended to reset your Sims 4 folder:
Factory Reset for Sims 4
New
Ruby
5
1
Dec 2015
Rubysays...
I tried downloading mods from TSR, but only a couple of them actually downloaded, and they didn't work in-game. I've re-read your instructions, and I can't see what I'm doing wrong. Any suggestions?
1
Admin
Playalot
3508
3002
Jan 2016
Top Poster
Most Likes
Playalotsays...
I'm not really sure what may have gone wrong for you from your post. Try contacting TRS directly as they will know how their own system works better than I could.
TRS Support Page
Make sure Enable Custom Content and Mods is checked in Game Options.
Go to Options Menu > Game Options > Other > and make sure custom content on is checked in the Game Options
New
kira
8
41
Feb 2016
kirasays...
I downloaded 2 cc and it doesn't work. please I need help. I don't know how to change the letters that go after the file's name. heeeeeelpppp!!!!!!!!!
1
Admin
Playalot
3508
3002
Jan 2016
Top Poster
Most Likes
Playalotsays...
I'm not quite sure what you mean by changing the letters... have a read through the forum pages I'll link you to. They should have the info you need. If you are still stuck try posting on the forum where we can get into a bit more detail than just a comment here.
Installing CC and Mods
New
Bronwyn
1
1
Feb 2016
Bronwynsays...
If I download a house or venue that's not from the gallery where do I find it in my game? It's not showing up in my library.
1
Senior
MrsFlynn
210
130
Jan 2016
MrsFlynnsays...
To see the house/lot in library: [Including custom content houses]
You will need to select View Content By: Others to see the house, unless you made it. Select All. -- Also look for Advanced menu and make sure that the Include Custom Content box has a check mark in it to see creations that include CC, if you're looking for custom content houses you've downloaded from other websites.
Make sure Enable Custom Content and Mods is checked in Game Options:
Go to Options Menu > Game Options > Other > and make sure custom content on is checked in the Game Options. Also check Script Mods Allowed
New
colleen
1
2
Feb 2016
colleensays...
Hope you have a nice day.
2
New
Mod Noob
1
1
Feb 2016
Mod Noobsays...
As you can see from my name, i'm a noob with mods. Never tried it before.
But I wanted to try to get some new hairstyles, aka CC as far as i understand, and i found one I really liked on TSR and clicked download. Then I moved the .package file into the mods folder in the Sims 4 folder. I had already checked that mods were enabled in the gamesettings, but when i started my game, it just gave me an error message saying some necessary game content is missing or damaged, but if i remove the .package file, the game starts up normally. I have also tried another cc instead, thinking that maybe it was just the file that was not working, but the same thing happened.
Any idea how to fix it?
The total noob
1
Senior
MrsFlynn
210
130
Jan 2016
MrsFlynnsays...
You maybe trying to install a piece of corrupt custom content. Specially if you're getting that message.
Here's a link that maybe able to help with that.
Cannot start because required game data is missing or damaged
New
Minji
2
3
Feb 2016
Minjisays...
Hi, I have a problem, I followed all the steps, but when I download the mods and put them in the folder it still doesn't appear in the game, there is this window telling me about the mods that I downloaded but they still don't appear in the game... Can someone help me?
1
New
Blane666
1
0
Feb 2016
Blane666says...
I'm having the same blooming problem and can't find how to resolve it. I downloaded sims that were modded or cc or whatever and they come up fine, its just this specific door set that won't come up. So frustrating
Admin
Playalot
3508
3002
Jan 2016
Top Poster
Most Likes
Playalotsays...
Make sure Enable Custom Content and Mods is checked in Game Options:
Go to Options Menu > Game Options > Other > and make sure custom content on is checked in the Game Options, also check Script Mods Allowed.
New
Minji
2
3
Feb 2016
Minjisays...
Mods are enabled... But it still won't work... Do I need to go online for them to work? I don't think so, but isn't there another solution other than making sure mods are enabled?
2
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