USEFUL SOFTWARE FOR THE SIMS 2
This is a list of programs that will make your life easier if you're an avid Sims 2 player. Click on program titles to get download links.
SimPE
The most known software for The Sims 2 that lets you edit package files. You can do basic stuff like rename a Sim, change family name, edit Sims' genetics as well as edit/create mods. Don't use if you have no idea what you're doing, watch a tutorial first or back up your neighborhood beforehand in case you mess something up!
The newest version also has a terrain editor.
Sims2Pack Clean Installer
The best program for installing downloaded lots and Sims. Those don't just go into Downloads, you need to install them!
Hood Checker
This program checks neighborhood references and can clean out ones that are broken. Also useful for bringing back lost graves (it's still good to have NoUnlinkOnDelete).
HCDU Plus
The Hack Conflict Detector Utility lets you scan your Downloads folder to check if you have any mods that edit the same aspect of the game, so can potentially be in conflict. Also useful to navigate which mods load first (load order is important for some mods to work).
What Caused This
When you have 'testingcheats' on, the game gives you error messages if there's something going on. Not all of them mean there's a serious problem, but What Caused This can help you navigate what the source is. Upload the log file (Documents/EA/TS2/Logs) in the program, give it your Downloads folder and it will scan it to look for the culprit. Might give you straighforward information on which mod conflict caused the issue or that you lack Smarter EP Check for a mod that requires it.
The Compressorizer
You can compress your Downloads to take up less space.
Delphy's Download Organiser
You can filter your files to a certain category, scan for orphans (files that don't fully work if other files are missing, such as meshes), duplicates, and clean up your Downloads folder in an easier way than trying to track it inside the folder manually.
Outfit Organiser
You downloaded CC clothes that the creator marked as outerwear but you think they don't fit in that category? With this program you can quickly change that! It's also doable in SimPE, but Outfit Organiser is a lot easier to use.
CPack Editor
If you want to make plastic surgery genetic, there's no need to do it manually in SimPE, especially if it's more than one Sim. In CPack Editor, you just choose your neighborhood's folder, run the program, and it changes ALL surgery faces in that neighborhood to genetic!
Lot Adjuster
This program lets you edit already existing lots. If you want a smaller or bigger lot than possible in-game, you can do it here! Also great for creating pavilions or row houses that are all separate lots, as you can get rid of the 2-tile border separating buildings by making the lots smaller and copying them.
Lifespan Builder
A simple online tool by Lazy Duchess that lets you make your own custom lifespan without SimPE! You just put the numbers in and download a ready mod. Note: the number in game files is always 1 day shorter than it shows in the Sim's age bar, so example: if you want the toddler stage to be 5 days in-game (as in, it shows "5 days away" after growing up from a baby), you need to put in 4.