Welcome to **sims4_building**! This page gathers **must-know resources, cheats, and tutorials** to help you go from placing square rooms to creating eye-catching builds worthy of the Gallery’s front page. --- ## 1 · Getting Set Up | Step | What to Do | Why It Matters | | ---- | ---------- | -------------- | | 1 | **Enable Build Cheats**:
Press Ctrl + Shift + C → type `testingcheats on`, then `bb.moveobjects on`. | Lets you overlap, raise/lower, and freely place items. | | 2 | **Turn Off Auto Roofs**: Click the cog ⚙️ in Build mode → un-check *Auto-apply roofs*. | Gives you full control instead of the game guessing roof shapes. | | 3 | **Camera Upgrade**: Switch to *The Sims 3* camera in Game Options. | Adds edge-scrolling and right-mouse-button camera tilt for easier shaping. | > **Tip:** Save a blank lot as a *Build Sandbox* so you can experiment without breaking your main save. --- ## 2 · Essential Tools & Mods * **T.O.O.L. (TwistedMexi)** – full object control outside lot boundaries. * **Better BuildBuy** – clutter filter, unlocked debug items by default. * **RedShelf** – tiny invisible shelf that lets you stack and precision-place décor. * **Peacemaker’s Wood Tones & Doors** – adds cohesive swatches for modern builds. *(All mods are optional—the base game is enough to follow every tip in this wiki.)* --- ## 3 · Core Building Techniques ### 3.1 | Room Shapes * Combine **octagons, L-shapes, and small bump-outs** instead of only squares. * Use the **Half-Grid toggle** (F5) for off-center walls and windows. ### 3.2 | Split Levels & Platforms * Place a **1-tile room**, adjust its platform height, then delete the walls to create sunken living rooms. * *No foundation lines please!* Add a matching trim in the *Wall Patterns → Siding* category. ### 3.3 | Roof Basics | Roof Piece | Best Use | Quick Adjust | | ---------- | -------- | ------------ | | **Gabled** | Simple suburban homes | Slide edge arrows for pitch; drag ends to overhang. | | **Hipped** | Craftsman & cabins | Lower pitch for flatter silhouette. | | **Half-Gabled** | Attic windows / dormers | Stretch over second-story walls. | | **Mansard** | Victorian & French | Combine a low-pitched hipped roof under a flat platform. | ### 3.4 | Roof Tricks * **Rotate & Layer**: Stack multiple roof pieces at different angles for interest. * **Glass Roof Tiles**: Replace shingles with the *glass* swatch for sunrooms. * **Decorative Cuts**: Place a small gabled roof, set pitch to 0.25, then raise it with Alt + 9 to mimic over-door awnings. * **Fake Chimneys**: Use empty rooms two tiles tall, hide interior walls with the *no wall* paint, top with a half-gabled roof. --- ## 4 · Landscaping & Exterior Polish * Stick to **two main plants** and vary scaling (use [ / ]) for realism. * Paint terrain paths before placing rocks—so landscaping sits *into* the ground. * Add **low flowers** in a 1-tile border to soften foundation edges. --- ## 5 · Lighting & Screenshots 1. Place outdoor lights behind windows for a warm glow. 2. Set *Household* → *Time of Day* slider to **4 p.m.** before taking screenshots—softest light. 3. Capture in **Tab Camera** mode, then press C. --- ## 6 · Troubleshooting FAQ * **Objects jump to grid after using MoveObjects.** → Lift them slightly with Alt + 9, then lower with Alt + 0; they’ll stay put. * **Roof cuts into walls.** → Lower wall height or switch overlapping roofs to *half-gabled* pieces. * **Platform edges show weird lines.** → Cover seams with *Half Wall Trim* or thin column pieces. --- ## 7 · See Also * **Debug Item Catalog** – searchable table of hidden objects unlocked with `bb.showhiddenobjects`. Happy building! If you discover a new trick, **edit this page** so everyone in sims4_building can level up together. 🏡