How To Properly Install Mods

Before proceeding to installing mods, let us first know the difference between Mods and Custom Contents (CCs) as some simmers get confused between the two.

The term "Mod" is short for modification so by definition, mods add features or alter some gameplay aspects of the game like having more than the maximum household of 8, or having a realistic pregnancy or childbirth which are otherwise not available in vanilla game.

Meanwhile, CC stands for Custom Content. While technically a type of modification, CC is different from what we typically refer to as "Mods" because it doesn't alter gameplay mechanics. Instead, CC focuses purely on visuals—adding new items or replacing existing ones such as furniture, hairstyles, clothing, makeup, skins, eyelashes, and more. You might also find objects not originally available in the game, like modern cars or personalized decor.

In short, CC enhances how the game looks, while Mods change how the game plays.

HOW TO FIND MODS AND CCs

You can easily search for what you need online. For example, type “Sims 4 realistic pregnancy mod” into Google, or just explore this website where you can search mods by pack or by category from the menu or simply use the search 🔍 option in the Home Page.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD MODS AND CCs

Downloading and installing Mods and CCs is quite easy. Typically, you just follow these 5 steps:

1) 

ENABLE MODS IN GAME

2) 

DOWNLOAD

3) 

UNZIP

4) 

PLACE IN MODS FOLDER

5) DELETE THE LOCALTHUMBCACHE.PACKAGE FILE

In detail:

1) ENABLE MODS IN GAME. With your game running, go to Game Options/Other and tick the 2 boxes for mods. Details and screenshots here if you need visuals; 

2) DOWNLOAD the mod/CC from the creator's website, Patreon.com, or other mod sharing sites like this one; 

3) UNZIP (If needed). Some mods don't need unzipping or are automatically unzipped as in the case of some Macs or newer computers.

If the name of the downloaded file ends with either .ts4script or .package as shown in the image below, it means it's NOT ZIPPED, so DO NOT UNZIP IT as there's no need to do so and just proceed to step 4.

The file is ZIPPED if the file icon looks like a folder with a zipper as shown in the image below and the file name ends with .rar, .zip, or .7z.

If your computer doesn't unzip it automatically, you would need to unzip it using a file archiver. If you are not familiar with using a file archiver, here's how. 

When you're done unzipping, you can delete the original zipped file as you won't need it anymore. 

4) PLACE THE UNZIPPED FILE/FOLDER IN YOUR MODS FOLDER which is usually located in Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods (unless you changed it). Make sure files are no more than one folder deep. Mod files, especially script files, may not work if buried too deep in subfolders.

5) DELETE THE LOCALTHUMBCACHE.PACKAGE FILE from The Sims 4 folder every time you add or delete files from your Mods folder. Here's how. This step ensures that the changes you have made are applied while it gets rid of old cache files. If you tend to forget to do this, you can use Cache Cleaner which automatically deletes it for you.

Using CurseForge for Easier Mod Management

If this feels like too much work, try the CurseForge app, the official mod manager for The Sims 4. It lets you search, install, and update Mods and CC automatically—no unzipping or folder management required.

If you have plenty of mods though and would like to organize them into categories, then CurseForge isn't for you as it doesn't allow that.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS!

1. Stay Updated – Keep an eye on mod creators’ updates or wait before updating your game.
   
2. Be prepared – Game updates may break your mods.  Prepare for it so you don't mess up your game
   
3. Back Up Your Saves – Always back up your files, especially before installing or updating mods.
   
4. Follow Creator Instructions – Some mods must go directly in the Mods folder, not in subfolders. Read installation instructions carefully.
   
5. Folder Depth Matters – Script mods must be no more than one folder deep. CC, however, can be up to five folders deep.

EXTRA TIPS FOR BEGINNERS:

• Start with simple mods—those that just require basic installation.
• Stick to reputable creators known for updating their work regularly.
• Organize your Mods folder from the start. Label folders clearly (e.g., “Hair - Female,” “Gameplay Mods,” etc.) so troubleshooting is easier later on.
  
• Less is more! Don’t overwhelm your game (or yourself) with too many mods. The fewer you have, the easier it is to maintain and troubleshoot.

Should you need help, feel free to comment here or use this Support Form. I'd be glad to help you. I've done it for free for a number of simmers and I'd be glad to do it for you, too. ☺️

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