The Ultimate Guide to Downloading and Installing Custom Content (CC) for The Sims 4 on Mac

The Sims 4 offers endless possibilities for players to express their creativity, and a significant part of that creativity comes from custom content (CC). CC can range from unique hairstyles and clothing to custom furniture and even gameplay modifications. For Mac users, downloading and installing this content is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail to ensure everything works smoothly. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from finding reliable CC sources to troubleshooting common issues, ensuring you can enhance your Sims 4 experience with a vast array of custom items.

Understanding Custom Content (CC) and Mods

Before diving into the installation process, it’s important to understand what CC and mods are in the context of The Sims 4. Custom Content typically refers to new items created by players that add to the game’s aesthetic, such as clothing, hair, makeup, and furniture. Mods, on the other hand, often alter gameplay mechanics, add new interactions, or introduce new features. While this guide focuses on CC, the installation process for most mods is identical.

Types of Custom Content

• Maxis Match CC: This style of CC is designed to blend seamlessly with the game’s original art style, maintaining the “Maxis Match” aesthetic.
• Alpha CC: This style is more realistic, often featuring highly detailed textures and meshes that can significantly alter the appearance of Sims and objects.
• Build/Buy CC: This includes custom furniture, decor, windows, doors, and other architectural elements.
• CAS CC: This refers to Custom Content for Create-A-Sim, including hair, clothing, accessories, skin details, and makeup.
• Gameplay Mods: These mods alter how the game functions, adding new features or changing existing ones.

Where to Find Quality Custom Content

The internet is brimming with Sims 4 CC, but it’s crucial to download from reputable sources to avoid malware or broken files. Here are some of the most popular and reliable platforms:

Popular CC Websites and Platforms

• The Sims Resource (TSR): One of the oldest and most well-known sites for Sims CC, offering a vast library of items. While many items are free, some require a VIP subscription for faster downloads or early access.
• Tumblr: Many talented creators use Tumblr to share their CC. Searching for specific tags like “Sims 4 CC,” “Sims 4 hair CC,” or “Sims 4 custom content” can lead you to a wealth of unique items.
• Patreon: Many creators offer early access to their CC or exclusive content through Patreon. While some content is behind a paywall, many creators also offer free downloads on their Patreons.
• CurseForge: This platform has become a major hub for Sims 4 mods and CC, offering a curated and safe environment for downloading content.
• ModTheSims: Another long-standing community site where creators share their custom content and mods.
• Simsdom: An aggregate site that hosts CC from various creators, similar to The Sims Resource.

Tips for Finding CC

• Read Descriptions: Always check the creator’s description for any specific requirements, such as needing certain expansion packs or other CC items.
• Check Update Status: After game updates, some CC might become outdated. Look for creators who regularly update their content.
• Be Wary of Ads: Some websites, like The Sims Resource, have numerous ads. Be careful to click only the legitimate download buttons.
• Consider Maxis Match vs. Alpha: Decide which style you prefer, as this will help narrow down your search.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide for Mac Users

Installing CC on your Mac is a process that involves downloading the files, placing them in the correct folder, and enabling them in the game. Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Locate Your Sims 4 Mods Folder

The Mods folder is where all your custom content and mods need to be placed. If you haven’t installed any mods before, you might need to create this folder.

1. Open Finder.
2. Navigate to your Documents folder.
3. Open the Electronic Arts folder.
4. Open the The Sims 4 folder.
5. Inside the “The Sims 4” folder, you should find a folder named Mods. If it’s not there, you can create it manually.

Important Note: If you play The Sims 4 Legacy Edition, the folder might be named “The Sims 4 Legacy Edition.”

Step 2: Download and Unzip Your Custom Content

1. Download CC: Find the CC you want to download from a reputable source. Most CC comes in .package or .ts4script file formats.
2. Locate Downloaded Files: Your downloaded files will typically be in your Downloads folder.
3. Unzip Files: Many CC files come in .zip or .rar formats. You’ll need to unzip them before they can be used in the game.
• macOS has a built-in utility that can unzip .zip files by simply double-clicking them.
• For other archive formats like .rar, you might need a third-party unzipping tool such as “The Unarchiver” (free on the App Store) or “Keka.”
4. Important: Do not double-click .ts4script files to unzip them; they should be placed directly into the Mods folder.

Step 3: Place CC Files into the Mods Folder

1. Open your Mods folder (as located in Step 1).
2. Drag and drop the unzipped .package or .ts4script files directly into the Mods folder.
3. Organizing Your Mods Folder (Optional but Recommended): To keep your Mods folder organized, you can create subfolders within the main Mods folder. For example, you could create folders for “Hair,” “Clothing,” “Furniture,” etc. However, avoid nesting folders more than one level deep, as this can sometimes cause issues with CC not being recognized.

Step 4: Enable Custom Content in The Sims 4

After placing the files in the Mods folder, you need to enable custom content within the game’s settings.

1. Launch The Sims 4.
2. Click on the Options menu (usually represented by three dots in the top-right corner).
3. Select Game Options.
4. Navigate to the Other tab on the left-hand side.
5. Ensure that both “Enable Custom Content and Mods” and “Script Mods Allowed” are checked.
6. Click Apply Changes.
7. You will likely be prompted to restart your game for the changes to take effect. Do so.

Step 5: Verify Your Custom Content

Once the game has restarted, you should be able to see your newly installed CC.

• Go into Create-A-Sim (CAS) to check for new clothing, hair, and accessories.
• Go into Build/Buy mode to check for new furniture and decor items.
• You can also view a list of your installed CC by going to Options > Game Options > Other > View Custom Content.

Troubleshooting Common CC Issues on Mac

Even with careful installation, you might encounter problems. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

CC Not Showing Up in Game

• Ensure Mods are Enabled: Double-check that “Enable Custom Content and Mods” and “Script Mods Allowed” are checked in your game options.
• Correct Mods Folder: Make sure you are placing CC in the correct Mods folder within your Documents. Sometimes, users might have multiple “Documents” folders (e.g., one in iCloud and one local), and the game only reads the local one.
• Unzip Files: Verify that all .zip or .rar files have been properly unzipped.
• File Types: Only .package and .ts4script files are recognized by the game. Other file types will not work.
• Folder Depth: Avoid nesting folders too deeply within your Mods folder. A maximum of one subfolder deep is generally recommended.
• Corrupt or Outdated CC: Some CC might be broken due to game updates or may have been corrupted during download. Try removing recently added CC to see if the issue resolves.
• Game Updates: After a Sims 4 update, some CC might break. It’s essential to check the creators’ pages for updated versions.
• Clear Cache: Sometimes, clearing the game’s cache can help. You can do this by deleting the “localthumbcache.package” file from your Sims 4 folder.

Game Crashing or Lagging

• Too Much CC: Having a very large amount of CC can sometimes cause performance issues or crashes. Try removing some CC to see if it improves performance.
• Conflicting CC: Some CC items might conflict with each other. The “50/50 method” can help identify problematic files: move half your CC out of the Mods folder, test the game, and repeat with the problematic half until you find the culprit.
• Outdated CC: Ensure all your CC is up-to-date, especially after game patches.

Script Mods Issues

• Enable Script Mods: Make sure “Script Mods Allowed” is checked in the game options.
• .ts4script Files: Script mods usually come as .ts4script files. These should be placed directly in the Mods folder, not within subfolders.
• One .ts4script per Folder: Only one .ts4script file is allowed per subfolder within the Mods folder.

Maintaining Your Mods and CC

The Sims 4 receives regular updates, which can sometimes break custom content. To keep your game running smoothly:

• Check for Updates: Regularly visit the pages of your favorite CC creators to see if they have released updated versions of their content after a game patch.
• Organize Your Mods Folder: Use subfolders to categorize your CC (e.g., by creator, by item type). This makes it easier to update or remove specific items if they cause problems.
• Backup Your Saves and Mods Folder: Before major game updates or when experimenting with new CC, it’s wise to back up your “Saves” folder and your entire “Mods” folder. This can prevent data loss and make it easier to revert if something goes wrong.
• Remove Outdated CC: Periodically review your Mods folder and remove CC that is no longer supported or has been replaced by newer versions.

Conclusion

Adding custom content to The Sims 4 on your Mac can dramatically enhance your gameplay, offering a level of personalization that the base game alone cannot provide. By following these steps and understanding the best practices for downloading and managing your CC, you can create a truly unique and engaging Sims experience. Remember to always download from trusted sources, keep your CC organized, and stay updated on creator releases to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming journey.