How to clone CAS CC into multiple categories while keeping filesize to a minimum
Thanks to Monochaos and amethyst lilac for the help
I am using @simandy's Spotlight V2 CC to demonstrate
💜 Explanation
You might want to have some CC in multiple categories, for example if you want to layer them, if you want to have more options if a category is already taken, etc.
This however will create the issue, that it will take up a lot of PC storage space if you keep everything inside the package, textures etc. which can slow down your game.
💜 How does this work
Instead of loading it's own textures, the file you created takes the exact textures from the original file on all of the swatches.
That is why it also only works if the original file is in the game too.
💜 What you need
Your package you want to have in multiple categories
Sims 4 Studio
💜 Tutorial
1.Place the package you want to clone inside the Mods folder of Sims 4 Studio, NOT YOUR ACTUAL GAME
For me it's: D:\Dokuments\Sims 4 Studio\Mods
2. Open the package file in Sims 4 Studio and extract the catalog thumbnail. Cloning it will not keep the thumbnail so if you want it, you need to add it manually.
Export it as .png.
3. Go back to S4 Studio home and select "Create CAS Standalone"
4. Under "Content" select "Custom" and select all swatches of your package by Shift-Clicking the thumbnail.
Then press "Next" and save your package under whatever name you want.
5. Import the thumbnail
6. Under Categories change "Outfit Type" to whatever you want and press "Apply to all swatches"
7. Save your package.
8. Now take both your package from the S4 Studio mods folder, the original package and and the one you just created and copy them into your actual game mods folder.
For me it's: D:\Dokumens\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\Mods
As you can see, the file you just made is significantly smaller.
9. Check in-game if it worked.
Yup.
If your Sim has a white and red texture overlay with question marks, you probably forgot to place the original file back into the game.
💜 How do I add the textures back in?
If you want your new package to work on its own again, do this:
1.Make sure the original file you used for cloning is still inside the S4 Studio mods folder
2. Open your cloned package
3. Go to "Tools - Modding - Embed all externally references resources (CAS)"
4. Now your Warehouse tab will be full again, the file will work on its' own and the filesize will be around the same size of the original package.
