Most mods and CC come in .package file format, while some scripts use the .ts4script format - those can't be placed deeper than one subfolder. What I mean is when organizing your mods into subfolders like:

...\Mods\CAS\Clothes
...\Mods\Life Mode\Fixes
etc

.ts4scripts files must be placed either directly in the \mods folder or in just one subfolder - for example, ...\mods\scripts.

PS. Any folders under \Mods\, like the CAS or scripts I mentioned earlier as examples are created by me, not the game, and you can create them as well however you like. You could keep your files unorganized but that's really bad idea when the game gets updated and scripts become outdated. Outdated mods will either cause issues or stop working. In my case the biggest indicator of a broken mod is glitched UI like this:


(screenshot doesn't belong to me and was found here[sims4.crinrict.com])

Usually CC like new clothes or makeup don't cause issues like this, the fault is in either game chaning or UI changing mods.



Mods are often compressed and the file extensions will be .zip or .rar. You'll need to unzip them using a program such as WinRAR [www.win-rar.com]or 7-Zip[www.7-zip.org], depending on your preference.



Just right click the .zip/.rar file and choose the extract option.

• CC (custom content) refer to mods that add things like new CAS items without changing the game's code. They're purely visual but don't confuse them with graphics or UI-altering mods.
  
  example:
  (source[www.patreon.com])
  
  
• Script mods, however, alter the game’s code, affect gameplay or the UI, and can add entirely new functions. Examples include Wicked Whims and MCCC.
  
  example:
  
  (source 1[modthesims.info], source 2[modthesims.info])
  
  
  4. Maxis Match and Alpha
  Maxis Match are CC that, as the name says, matches the original style of the Sims 4 graphics. Alpha CC are much more realistic. Personally, I like to use MM hair and clothes, and mix them with semi-realistic Alpha skins and makeup.
  
  (source)
  
  A sim using MM hair and Alpha-like face details:
  (source)
  
  Very realistic Alpha sim: (source[www.patreon.com])
  

First, you need to find the Mods folder:

C:\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\Mods
(Unless you moved your Documents folder somewhere else like me.)



In The Sims 4 folder you can find those folders:

• Mods - Where all the scripts and CC go to - unless stated otherwise by the mod author. We will mostly focus on this folder.
  
• Tray - Your saved to gallery sims and buildings are stored here, and you can download other's work by moving them there.
  
• saves - If you ever download a save from someone (for example, an empty world with all the buildings already removed), this is where it goes.

If you don't know what to download, the next section of the tutorial contains links to many good CC and mods!

.packages

1. Locate your Mods folder.
C:\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\Mods


If you can't see the Mods folder, make sure you're not in ...\Steam\steamapps\common\The Sims 4. Mods are in your Documents!

2. Cut or copy files into your mods folder or create a subfolder like "clothes", "CAS" etc and put it there. You can put the .package files as deep in subfolders as you want. Ignore the 9k of uncategorized CC... I'm a bad example.

4. If the files are compressed, unzip them with WinRAR or 7-zip. Links and tutorial for this can be find in the Basics section.

5. You can remove any .pngs or .jpgs that are included with the mod you downloaded unless stated otherwise by the author.

6. Yep. That's it.

.ts4script

1. Locate your Mods folder.
C:\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\Mods


If you can't see the Mods folder, make sure you're not in ...\Steam\steamapps\common\The Sims 4. Mods are in your Documents!

2. Cut or copy files into your mods folder. You can place them one subfolder deep, no more!


4. If the files are compressed, unzip them with WinRAR or 7-zip. Links and tutorial for this can be find in the Basics section.

5. You can remove any .pngs or .jpgs that are included with the mod you downloaded unless stated otherwise by the author.

6. Yay! Mods!


Make sure to enable mods in the game settings!(source[support.curseforge.com])


Some tips:

• First of all, if you're downloading CC, make sure to check whether the description or title mentions that it's a recolor. If it is, you'll also need to download the original mesh which should be linked in the description like this: (source[www.tumblr.com])
  
• If you're downloading script mods or default replacements, read the description for a possibly different installation process or any needed files/mods.
  
• Keep your mods and CC organized. An example of my Sims 3 mods folder because it's much better done than my Sims 4 mods:
  
  
• Modders are obligated to not have permament paywalls so either wait for public release or check my links.

Warning! Some links may contain adult content, like nudity or violence mods.

Must have:
WinRar [www.win-rar.com]or 7-zip[www.7-zip.org]

• Pinterest [pl.pinterest.com]- my favorite way to find CC
  
• Tumblr[www.tumblr.com]
  
• ModTheSims [modthesims.info]- best website with script mods, you can also find CC there
  
• Nexus [www.nexusmods.com]
  
• TSR [www.thesimsresource.com]- I don't really recommend it anymore because of the long waiting time but I'll include it in this list anyway because it used to be a good website with many good creators, and their content is still there (also, you can easily find old CC there with working links unlike many other sites)
  
• CurseForge [thesims4.curseforge.com]- I don't really use it because there was once some issue with viruses there or so I heard, but as far as I know it's safe now
  
• Mod Manager of your choice, for example - GameTimeDev’s Mod Manager[gametimedev.de] or Sims 4 Studio [sims4studio.com]
  
  I'm not sure if Steam would allow me to distribute links for "free" paid CC so I'll just leave names:
  
  • PaysitesMustBeDestroyed
    
  • TS4 Rebels
  I must remind (or inform) you that it is the EA's policy for mods to be free of charge or just temporarily required to be paid.

Warning! Some links contain adult content, like nudity or violence mods.

• MCCC [deaderpool-mccc.com]- greater control of the game experience and NPC story progression, must have ★
  
• Lumpinou mods[lumpinoumods.com] - great gameplay mods, especially the Relationship & Pregnancy Overhaul Collection ★
  
• Wicked Whims [wickedwhimsmod.com]- 18+ mod that adds sex features, menstrual cycle, birth control and more ★
  
• WonderfulWhims [modthesims.info] - "social, relationship, and pregnancy enhancements in forms of Attractiveness, Impressions, Personality Archetypes, Menstrual Cycle, Birth Control and many more" (conflicts with Wicked Whims) ★
  
• Basemental Mods[basementalcc.com] - drugs, gangs, alcohol ★
  
• KiaraSims4Mods[kiarasims4mods.net] ★
  - Royal Family Mod[kiarasims4mods.net]
  - Custom aspirations, traits, events, careers, interactions and more[kiarasims4mods.net]
  
• Twistedmexi mods[twistedmexi.com] ★
  - TOOL[www.patreon.com] - allows you to move objects in ANY way you'd like, must have for builders
  - Better BuildBuy[www.patreon.com]
  
• UI Cheats Extension[www.patron.com]
  
• XML[scumbumbomods.com] - required for many other mods
  
• Meaningful Stories [roburky.itch.io] - redesign of the mood and emotions system
  
• More Columns in CAS[www.patreon.com]

Warning! Some links may contain adult content, like nudity or violence mods.

Favorite CC creators/websites (all free) :

• https://www.patreon.com/cw/serenitycc ★
  
• https://www.patreon.com/sentate ★
  
• https://www.patreon.com/rustysims ★
  
• www.patreon.com/pralinesims ★
  
• https://www.patreon.com/simmandy - MaxisMatch hair
  
• https://www.patreon.com/johnnysims - male MaxisMatch CC, mostly hair
  
• https://www.patreon.com/sims3melancholic - realistic skins and more
  
• https://www.patreon.com/san33 - Alpha CC
  
• https://www.patreon.com/golyhawhaw - mostly skins
  
• https://www.patreon.com/northernsiberiawinds
  
• https://www.patreon.com/atomiclight - cute and gothic/emo CC
  
• https://www.patreon.com/saruin - fantasy/demonic CC and more
  
• https://www.patreon.com/surelysims - retro CC and more
  
• https://www.patreon.com/Max20Reserve - furniture
  
• https://www.patreon.com/awingedllama - furniture
  
• https://www.patreon.com/pierisim - furniture
  
• https://www.patreon.com/MadameRia
  
• https://www.patreon.com/MaxisMatchCCWorld
  
• https://www.tumblr.com/lilis-palace - historically inspired CC
  
• https://www.patreon.com/DoroCash - dirty/ugly/destroyed CC
  
• https://www.patreon.com/hydrangeachainsaw - cute furniture
  
• https://www.patreon.com/kirikasims - trendy or specific-aesthetic-following furniture
  
• https://www.patreon.com/tauve
  
• https://www.patreon.com/rustysims
  
• https://www.patreon.com/camuflaje
  
• https://www.patreon.com/b0t0xbrat
  
• https://www.patreon.com/mechtasims
  
• https://www.patreon.com/daylifesims
  
• https://moderncrafter.wixsite.com/home/download/categories/cars - cars
  
• https://www.lorysims.com - cars
  
• https://mundosims.com

!!! If any of the creators or websites mentioned are known to be harmful or controversial, please let me know and I’ll update the list. Personally, I’ve never had any issues/viruses from Sims 4 mods - and I’ve been modding since the game’s release. I had these links saved for quite a while so if anything problematic has come up since then, feel free to inform me. !!!

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