Get started in build mode
If you want to start furnishing your Sims's home then these tips will help you get started. Whether you're playing on PC or console, both have slightly different UI and controls, but the fundamentals of resizing, moving, and rotating furniture are the same.
The Sims 4 offers many different ways to play. The life simulation sandbox has plenty of gameplay options tied to the life of your Sims, as well as opportunities to unleash your inner fashionista when you style them. But then there is build mode. Building in the Sims is a unique way to play, giving you a chance to construct, decorate and furnish a house from the ground up, or just simply furnish or renovate an existing lot. If you've just started playing The Sims 4, or you're returning after some time away, then here are some tips to help you get started in build mode.
How to build in The Sims 4
There are two ways to enter build mode, using the world map, and through a household. Which way you use will depend on if you want to just build, or if you want to create or edit something for a household.
Building From The World Map
Navigate to the world of your choice on the map, then select the lot you want to edit. When it is selected you'll see three icons in the bottom right corner.
The person with and arrow next to them takes you to create a sim, the car lets you visit the lot, and the hammer and spanner takes you to build mode.
If you select the hammer and spanner on any lot you will be able to go in and build from scratch, or renovate any existing buildings. There are no budget restrictions here, but the cost of the lot will change to reflect your edits once you save and exit.
Building From Live Mode
If you want your renovations to be realistic then enter the household using the triangle button marked Play. This will put you into live mode. From here you can click the same hammer and wrench icon, but this time it is in the top right corner.
How to move and resize items in build mode
Now you know how to get into build mode, it's time to learn how to move and resize items. Once you are in build mode, you can access all of the furniture items in the build catalog. To place an item, simply click and hold the left mouse button, then drag and position it where you want it.
While items are selected you can drag them around and resize them using the handles on the edges of the item. Click and hold on the edge of the item, then drag the cursor to adjust it.
The Sims 4 is massive, and even a small house can take a while to decorate and furnish. If you've got a lot of items on the lot, or you're moving items around, it's handy to know how to select items individually.
