Introduction to TS4 modding!
About two years ago, I uploaded an introduction post to CC and mods! This is my edited version, as of 2/27/2019. Feel free to leave any comments/constructive criticism! And if you have any questions, let me know and iâd be happy to answer them for you!
Sims 4 mods can be a bit confusing and I donât blame you. For years, I didnât even bother looking at mods because it seemed so complex and over my head.
Let me first start off by telling you, mods are nothing to be afraid of. I am going to give you everything you need to know to mod your game. Everything- from CAS Hair to adding traits to your game!
Custom Content is items that are added to your game. This does not edit the game files in any way. For example: Shoes, Computers, Hairs, Beds, Etc. Things you can use in either CAS or Build mode.
CC is created by meshing, which can be done in Blender, MilkShape, and other 3D rendering programs. This will be relevant later.
Build Mode- The mode youâre in when editing/creating a building on a lot.
Custom content can be downloaded from many many sites. But my favorite ones to download from (That are trustworthy) would be
The Sims Resource and Tumblr
Please be aware, Downloading CC Files isnât always safe. CC Files can break your game but luckily, it can always be fixed.
Tip: Do not turn on automatic updates for TS4. Whenever TS4 has an update, REMOVE YOUR MODS. That can also break your game.
There are two different types of CC Files. Packages and Zip Files.
Packages is usually just one cc file. and Zip Files tie all packages together.
For example, Letâs say your downloading an outfit. (Top, Bottom, and Shoes). Package files can only hold up to one item. So-
Package File= Top      Â
Package File= Bottoms    Â
Zip File= 3 Package Files.
These Zip Files need to be extracted.
Extract- pulling the files out of a folder that is zipped.
Or- you can unzip the file, which then allow any external programs to access that folder.
So when placing CC Files into your Mods folder (User/Documents/ElectronicArts/The Sims 4/Mods) You do NOT place zip files in your Mods folder.
When you extract zip files, it extracts them into folders. This can be extremely helpful if you prefer your mods folder to be organized. You can directly put folders into your mods folder, and TS4 will still read & recognize them.
Zip files can be extracted in 2 ways.
1. You can manually extract by double-clicking the zip file, which will then open the zip, allowing you to copy and paste your cc files in your Mods folder.
2. You can download WinRar which is a program that easily extracts your files to a specific destination.
1. Double-click the zip and it will automatically extract into a separate folder for you!
2. Download an extracting program, Like WinRar, or one from the App Store to extract your zips.
Script mods are different from CC files. Script mods edit your game files and add on to the base game.
This is where âHow CC is madeâ becomes relevant. Script mods are not 3D rendered. Scripts directly change how the game functions with hand-written code.
Script mods can be extremely dangerous. CC does not edit your game files, itâs basically just an add-on.
Script mods are installed just like Zip Files. Do NOT extract them from the zip file. You simply place the entire zip file in your mods folder.
The reason for this is that script mods are coded using Python. Itâs a coding language that can be read by the game files. Every file in the zip of the script mod is needed to be able to work properly in your game!
For example, if you removed a folder from your TS4 file location, it wouldnât work properly. And same goes for Script mods.
How Do I Install Mods to my Game? Â Â Â
Itâs really easy! Let me show you-
First, start TS4 and wait for it to load up to the main menu. At the top right of your screen, you should find a tab with different buttons on it. There is a button with three vertical dots.Â
Pushing this should open up your Settings.
On the left, click the tab âotherâ
You will see that there are boxes that havenât been ticked.
There are two options, Enable Custom content and mods, and there is Script mods allowed.
Tick both and ensure that theyâre on. And DO NOT forget to press apply changes.
The picture above shows all the files located in your Documents folder. This is where youâll find your Electronic Arts folder. With your TS4 game files located inside it.
This is what you get when you go into your game files. Your game really needs these! Without them, there would be no game. So make sure not to fiddle with any other folders.
This TS4 folder has cache files, screenshots, music, and all your log files! (and a lot more but iâd rather not torture you!)
This TS4 folder also has your Mods folder located inside. (It generates it automatically! So if you ever accidentally delete, Donât worry! Youâll get a new one!)
The file pathway is (User/Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods) If thatâs easier for you to remember. All you have to do is Copy your downloaded CC files (Theyâre in your downloads folder) and drag them into Mods folder.
This is totally optional but to make it easier for me to move all my downloads into my mods folder, I pinned the mods folder to the left column, Quick access. (This doesnât move the file pathway, it just pins it there so you dont have to go looking for it everytime you go CC shopping)
These are fun.. (Not really)
Tray files are REALLY WEIRD. They arenât custom content files at all. Theyâre actually files that add full body sims and lots into your Sims Library. (You find both the sims and lots in game.)
Tray files, Like Script mods, Come in a Zip File. But these files DO NOT belong in your Mods folder. They wonât show up in your game because it has no way to.
Extract the files, and drag them into your Tray folder that is inside your TS4 folder, along with the rest of the game files.
If you look closely, You can see your Tray folder and your Mods folder. So they are both located in your Sims 4 game files but there is a HUGE difference between Mods, and Tray files.
Examples of Tray Files in Game:
This Beach House was created by the one and only- @pralinesims
Hereâs what the tray files look like in the zip:
Tucci top by @christopher067
Trusted CC Creators I recommend downloading from:
@pralinesims - my preference for skin overlays, details, and lots (alpha/maxis match)
@leahlillith - my preference for most stunning, creative hair (alpha)
@madlensims - my preference for the absolutely best shoe meshes (alpha/maxis match)
@theslyd - gorgeous, detailed cc (alpha/maxis match)
@serenity-cc - trendy & cute (i actually wish i had her cc in my closet skksks) (alpha)
@magnolia-c - absolutely gorgeous sims & cc (alpha)
@christopher067 - i mean- itâs chris. preference for clothing (maxis match/alpha)
@trillyke - my sims looks good in all of her cc <33 (maxis match)
That is the end of the tutorial!
Please let me know if there are any concerns.
