How to Install Custom Content for The Sims 4

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Custom Content (often called CC) allows you to expand and personalize your game with new hairstyles, clothing, furniture, mods, and gameplay features created by the community. Installing it is straightforward once you understand the process.

This guide explains the safest and simplest method to install custom content for The Sims 4 on PC and Mac.

1. Enable Custom Content in the Game

Before adding files, the game must allow custom content.

  1. Open The Sims 4
  2. Go to Game Options
  3. Select Other
  4. Check:
    • Enable Custom Content and Mods
    • Script Mods Allowed
  5. Click Apply Changes
  6. Restart the game

Once enabled, the game will load custom content automatically when placed in the correct folder.

2. Locate the Mods Folder

All custom content must be placed in the Mods folder.

Windows

Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4 > Mods

Mac

Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4 > Mods

If the folder does not exist, you can create it manually.

Inside the Mods folder you should already see a file called:

Resource.cfg

Do not delete this file. It allows the game to read custom content.

3. Download Custom Content

Custom content usually comes in .package or .ts4script files.

Common places to download CC include community mod sites, creator Patreon pages, and Sims content directories.

After downloading, files are often compressed in .zip or .rar format.

You must extract them first using tools like:

  • Windows built-in extractor
  • WinRAR
  • 7-Zip

4. Install the Files

After extracting the archive:

  1. Move the .package or .ts4script files
  2. Paste them into:
Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4 > Mods

You can organize files in subfolders like:

Mods
 ├─ Hair
 ├─ Furniture
 ├─ Clothing
 └─ Gameplay Mods

Important rules:

  • .package files can be placed several folders deep
  • .ts4script files should only be one folder deep or less

Example:

Mods/GameplayMods/modname.ts4script

5. Launch the Game

When you start The Sims 4, a Custom Content window will appear listing all installed mods and CC.

If you see your files listed, they installed correctly.

You can now find the new content in:

  • Create-a-Sim (hair, clothes, accessories)
  • Build/Buy Mode (furniture, objects)
  • Gameplay features added by mods

6. Keeping Custom Content Organized

Over time you may collect thousands of CC files. Good organization helps avoid problems.

Recommended practices:

  • Create folders by category (Hair, Mods, Furniture)
  • Keep gameplay mods separate from cosmetic CC
  • Delete broken or outdated mods after game updates
  • Backup your Mods folder regularly

7. Troubleshooting

If custom content does not appear in the game:

Check the following:

  • Custom Content is enabled in Game Options
  • Files are in the correct Mods folder
  • The files are extracted (not still in .zip)
  • Script mods are not more than one folder deep
  • Mods are updated for the latest game version

If the game crashes after installing CC, remove recently added files to identify the problematic mod.

Final Tip

Custom content is one of the best ways to extend the life of The Sims 4. With thousands of creators producing new hairstyles, houses, gameplay systems, and objects, you can completely reshape the game into whatever style you want.

Once you get used to installing CC, expanding your game becomes as simple as downloading a file and placing it into the Mods folder.