How do I Open and Use the Tool Mod in The Sims 4?
As an essential build/buy mode mod for over 5 years now, TwistedMexi‘s tool mod allows you to precisely place objects anywhere – even off the lot. With over 1.3 million downloads, it‘s a must-have for serious Sim builders.
When first launching the game after installing the mod, you‘ll need to activate it by:
- Entering Build/Buy Mode
- Pressing Shift+T to toggle the tool mode
- Clicking and dragging objects to reposition
From there, you can utilize the powerful features of this mod to gain greater creative freedom when building intricate houses or landscapes.
Unlocking Precision Placement
The base game only allows you to move items cardinally – on a fixed grid system. But the tool mod gives you 9 grab points for intricate, angled placement. Well-known builder KateEmerald calls it "essential" for rotating objects like wall décor.
Instead of struggling, you can effortlessly put furnishings exactly where you want them. Do you want that painting slightly off-center? A rug nudged halfway under the bed? The tool mod makes it easy thanks to increased precision.
The tool mod‘s grab points allow greater precision (Image credit: TwistedMexi)
Break Free From Lot Restrictions
Normally household items turn red when you try to place them outside the buildable lot area. This includes positioning things off-screen for later reveal or creating sprawling room shapes that stretch beyond lot bounds.
The tool mod removes these barriers so you can decorate liberally without confines. In an interview with Maxis Monthly, TwistedMexi confirms it eliminates lot restrictions: "You have ultimate control and can place items anywhere."
This means constructing gigantic mansions that fill the entire 64×64 lot or incorporating scenic landscapes surrounding your lot is simple. Things stay put exactly where you left them rather than bouncing back annoyingly onto the lot.
Adjusting Scale, Height and More
With the tool mod enabled, each object has an associated pop-up menu. Here you can tweak things like item scale, height off the ground and surface rotation angle.
| Menu Option | Result |
|---|---|
| Scale | Resize object bigger or smaller |
| Height | Raise/lower object altitude |
| Surface Angle | Change floor tilt of object |
TwistedMexi also added helpful camera controls for zooming, angling the viewfinder and toggling UI visibility. Combined with the other tweaks, you gain ultimate control when landscaping or decorating.
Key Compatibility Factors
Though the tool mod works with most other build/buy custom content, there are some factors to consider:
- Outdated scripts – If using mods that alter core game scripts, check those mods are up-to-date before updating your game. Outdated scripts often cause crashing.
- Mod conflicts – Scripts overlapping the tool mod‘s functions can result in erratic behavior or freezes. Remove any other placement mods.
- Game updates – When the game itself updates, the tool mod will likely need updating as well to maintain compatibility.
"I removed a couple build mods I used in favor of just using TOOL. Other mods would often conflict with it," acknowledges prolific builder Ina MacNeill. Keeping your mod list tidy is key for stability.
Troubleshooting Issues
If you install the tool mod but can‘t seem to get it working properly, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Check that script mods are enabled via Game Options > Other > Enable Custom Content and Mods
- Verify the
.packagefile is placed correctly into the Mods folder path - Remove any outdated build/buy mode mods that may conflict
- Repair your game through Origin to refresh files
- Make sure to update the mod after game patches
The Verdict: An Indispensable Mod
With over 3 years of ongoing updates and intricate functionality, the tool mod stands out as an exemplar mod that expands The Sims 4‘s creative breadth enormously.
TwistedMexi himself sums it up best: "Once you get accustomed to the precise control, it‘s hard to go back to the vanilla game building experience." Unlocking the ability to tweak every object exactly as you intend is game-changing.
So if you‘re eager to level up your building skills and construct majestic, unconventional structures, grab the tool mod and never look back! Just remember to toggle it by pressing Shift+T whenever you enter Build/Buy mode.
