Sims 4 Studio (S4S) is a modding tool created by Andrew and Orange Mittens. It is one of the most widely used programs for modding The Sims 4.
Program Capabilities[]
Sims 4 Studio is versatile as it enables modders to make anything from tuning mods to far-reaching game-changing mods. In general, it allows users to write their own code, as well as export tuning from Sims 4 itself. It also gives CC creators the ability to recolor, import meshes, and more. It can be used to do a myriad of tasks, such as finalizing Custom Content, editing the code of the game, and more.
Modding[]
Custom Content[]
Textures[]
Meshes[]
Tagging[]
Download, Compatibility, & Availability[]
The Sims 4 Studio Open Beta can be downloaded for free from the Sims 4 Studio forums. This is the most recent version of the studio and the only version that will have new functionalities added.
Sims 4 Studio is available on both Mac ("Aurora") and Windows ("Star"). While these versions differ from one another slightly, the differences are almost exclusively in the UI.
In order to access game files, it must be installed on the same computer as The Sims 4. However, if a user has their game installed on a different computer or if they have not successfully linked the two[1], users can still edit standalone custom content, but they will receive alerts telling them to configure their game path upon opening the program each time. While S4S also links in with Blender, it will not alert users if Blender is not installed or linked.
Open Beta[]
As an open beta, S4S is more prone to bugs than a stable release would be. Beta testing is a practice of releasing functional but unpolished software to a group of people to use. An open beta involves beta testing that anyone may take part in without applying or paying for early access. Beta testing may be employed with the intention of beta testers find remaining bugs, but it can also be used on a longterm as warning that there are many known bugs and that they use it at their own risk.
It is also important to remember that Sims 4 Studio is created by a small term of independent developers. If a game update breaks S4S or otherwise requires it be updated (for example, to offer full support a new pack), it may be several days before an update is released.
Community Tested Version[]
A community tested version of Sims 4 Studio can be downloaded for free from the Sims 4 Studio forums. It is available on both Mac ("Apple Blossom") and Windows ("Wishes").
This is a version of the studio that has been tested by users and therefore considered to be stable and "as close as [the developers] can get to something that will have no bugs."[2] However, the community tested version is not updated to add new features or to support new game patches.
When a game patch eventually breaks the community tested version, it will not be updated and there will not be another community tested version released in the near future.
Blender Plugin/Compatibility[]
The Sims 4 Studio's developers have also created a Blender plugin that keeps track of additional Sims 4-specific information that vanilla 3D modeling softwares would struggle with. The plugin included in Apple Blossom and Wishes is only compatible with Blender versions 2.7, 2.76, 2.77, 2.78, and 2.79. Version 2.76b is the most recommended. The current open beta (Star/Aurora) is compatible with 2.7 as well as versions of Blender 3.3, but none of the versions in-between.
Why only Blender 2.7 and 3.3?[]
This is because there were major changes between Blender 2.7 and 2.8 (and all subsequent versions) which makes cross-compatibility not possible. In an excerpt from now deleted post on the S4S forums[3], this is explained further:
The compatibility for 2.7x versions was added individually. Since the release of 2.8 in 2019, there have been 9 major versions of Blender. Multiply this number by two ( for iOS and Windows ). Every time the game will update, the plugin may need to be updated as well, with all versions in mind; If S4S developers were to discontinue the support for Blender 2.7x and focus on the latest one only, many people who can play The Sims 4 would not be able to make content for it because of the difference in system requirements;
The current open beta of the Sims 4 Studio is also compatible with Blender 3.3, but for the aforementioned reasons, none of the in-between versions are supported and its unlikely that 3.4 will be supported whenever it is released.
Of course, creators are free to use other versions of Blender or another 3D modeling software of their choice, but it is recommended that they also have a version of 2.7 or 3.3 installed in order to use the plugin.
Examples/Tutorials[]
Beginner Skills[]
Tuning Mods[]
- Make a Custom Music Channel (for all stereos, or a single object) (S4S+TS4 Sound Tool)
- ↑ Memphis Creations (Sept 15, 2020). S4S Path Guide (Thread). Sims 4 Studio Forum. Archived from the original on December 4, 2020. Retrieved on September 10, 2022.
- ↑ orangemittens (June 3, 2016). What is a Community Tested version of Sims 4 Studio? (English). Archived from the original on October 16, 2022. Retrieved on October 21, 2022.
- ↑ mauvemom (May 9, 2022). FAQ: Sims 4 Studio and Blender compatibility (English). Archived from the original on July 3, 2022.