🏡 How to Add a Custom Sim or Custom Lot to Your Sims 4 Game (Step-by-Step Guide)
NB: (I know most persons on my patron already know the following but when we have new members, i want to ensure they know how to navigate the game and add lots and/or sims to the game so this is somewhat of a tutorial for beginners)
Today I’m walking you through exactly how to add a custom Sim or Lot to your Sims 4 game, whether it's a cute sim, beautiful house, a cozy cafe, or a massive mansion. 🏠
This guide covers everything , from unzipping the download folder to installing both Tray files and Mods/CC. Perfect for beginners or anyone needing a refresher!
🔽 Step 1: Download the Custom Sim or Lot
When you download a custom Sim or lot (from my Patreon or another site), it usually comes in a .zip or .rar file. This compressed folder contains all the files you need.
✅ You’ll typically see:
Files with weird long names ending in .blueprint, .bpi, or .trayitem → These are Tray files
Any custom content (CC) will usually be in a "Mods" or "CC" folder and include .package files
📂 Step 2: Unzip the Download
You can’t use the lot while it’s still zipped! You need to extract the files.
🔧 How to unzip:
Windows
Right-click on the .zip or .rar file
Select "Extract All..."
Choose where to extract the files (your Desktop or Downloads folder is fine)
Click Extract
If it’s a .rar file and "Extract All" doesn’t show up, you may need a free tool like WinRAR or 7-Zip.
Step 3: Move the Files to the Right Folders
Now that you've extracted the files, you’ll likely see two types:
Tray files – used to install the Sim or Lot
Mods or CC – custom content that comes with the Sim or Lot
📁 Where to put Tray files:
Go to your Documents folder
Navigate to: Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4 > Tray
Copy and paste (or drag and drop) ALL the Tray files (.blueprint, .bpi, .trayitem) into that Tray folder.
❗Don't put these in the Mods folder , they won’t show up there.
📁 Where to put Mods or CC (if included):
Go to: Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4 > Mods
Copy and paste (or drag and drop) all the .package files into the Mods folder.
Optional: You can create a subfolder like Mods > Custom Sims or Mods > Lots > [Name of Lot] to keep things organized, but no more than one folder deep, or the game might not read it.
⚙️ Step 4: Enable Mods & CC in Game
Before the content can show up, make sure mods are enabled:
Open The Sims 4
Go to Game Options > Other
Check both:
✅ "Enable Custom Content and Mods"
✅ "Script Mods Allowed" (if needed)
Click Apply Changes
Restart your game. Restarting is required for the game to load your new content.
👀 Step 5: Find Your Sim or Lot in Game
🧍♀️ For Sims:
Go to Create a Sim (CAS)
Click the Gallery icon (or press F4)
Go to the My Library tab
Look for the Sim you downloaded
Check "Include Custom Content" if they don't show up
💡 Once you find them, you can add them to your household or start a new game with them!
🏡 For Lots:
Go to Manage Worlds
Enter Build/Buy mode on the lot you want to replace
Open the Gallery (press F4 or click the icon)
Click the My Library tab
Find the lot you downloaded, it may have a custom thumbnail!
Click Place Lot
Choose the correct lot size and furnishing options (Furnished or Unfurnished)
Done! 🎉
💡 Tip: If you don’t see the lot, check the Include Custom Content box in the Gallery filters.
💬 Questions or Issues?
If you're having trouble seeing the lot in your game, make sure:
Make sure the files were fully extracted
You extracted the files correctly
Double-check that Tray files are in the Tray folder, and .package files are in the Mods folder
Mods and custom content are enabled
You checked "Include Custom Content" in the Library
The lot is placed on the correct size lot as designed
Let me know in the comments if you need any additional help!
Happy simming! 🛋💫