Edit Pre-Existing Sims in The Sims 4: Techniques, Tools, and Troubleshooting Guide

Unleash Your Inner Designer: The Ultimate Guide to Editing Pre-Existing Sims in The Sims 4

Look at your Sim in The Sims 4 and think, “What were you wearing?” Maybe now they need a handlebar mustache and love for dance. Editing Sims is possible and fun in The Sims 4. Forget those initial Create-a-Sim choices. With tricks, you can revamp your Sims into perfection (or chaos, no judgment).

Diving Deep: General Editing Techniques for Your Beloved (or Befuddled) Sims

Want to give your Sim a makeover? Time for foundational methods in CAS. There are two routes to get there. One can be scenic, the other a cheat code express lane. Choose your way to fabulousness (or slightly better fashion choices).

Cheat Your Way to Chic: Using Cheats for Sim Editing

Cheats. They’re a Simmer’s best friend. They unlock fun possibilities. Here’s how to use cheats for full CAS edit mode:

1. Summon the Cheat Console: Press Ctrl+Shift+C on PC. It’s like calling a genie for cheat codes.
2. Enable the Magic: Type testingcheats true and hit Enter. This tells the game you mean business.
3. Unlock Full Edit Mode: Type cas.fulleditmode and press Enter. This command lets you edit everything about your Sim, traits included.
4. Shift-Click and Edit: With full edit mode, shift-click on your Sim. Select “Edit in CAS” or “Modify in CAS.” Either option will take you to the CAS screen. It’s like teleporting your Sim to a salon.

And just like that, you’re in CAS, ready to make your Sim a masterpiece. Or maybe just fix an old hair choice. We’ve all been there.

The “Manage Households” Method: A More Official Route

If you want a less cheat-y approach, try “Manage Households.” It’s more clicks, but still valid. It’s the scenic route – enjoy the virtual landscapes of your Sim world along the way.

1. Open Map View: Open the Map View, usually found in the bottom left corner.
2. Access “Manage Households”: Click the “Manage Households” button at the top right of the Map View.
3. Select Your Household: Find the household with the Sim you want to edit and select it.
4. Edit in CAS: Choose “Edit Household in CAS” to go to CAS and edit any Sim. It’s like a spa day for your household in CAS.

This method is helpful for editing multiple Sims or households not actively played. Give all your neighborhoods a consistent level of aesthetic refinement.

A Word of Caution: CAS Editing Limitations

Before going wild with makeovers, note limitations. Even cheats have rules. It’s like finding out that even with magic, you can’t fly without a broom.

• Initial CAS Restrictions (Mostly Bypassed): Normally, CAS restricts edits on traits and facial features. But, the cas.fulleditmode cheat throws limitations out the window. As long as you cheat, you’re free to tinker. Think of limitations as suggestions.
• Baby Blues (You Can’t Edit Babies Directly): Even with cheats, you can’t edit babies directly. They are in a “protected” life stage. To change anything about a baby, age them to a toddler first. Even virtual babies deserve privacy.

But beyond these minor issues, the Sim editing world is your oyster! Go create, reshape, and reimagine your Sims freely.

Delving into Detail: Specific Sim Editing Aspects

You know how to access CAS, but let’s talk about what you can edit. Become a virtual stylist and life coach. Here’s what you can change.

Appearance is Everything (or at Least Something): Modifying Looks

The first thing many want to change is appearance. Maybe the hairstyle is now… questionable. Maybe it’s time for a red-carpet look. CAS is your playground for cosmetic changes.

• Facial Features and Body Shape: Get into the details of Sim aesthetics. Tweak noses, adjust jawlines, sculpt cheekbones, redefine body shapes. The options are extensive for changing looks.
• Clothing, Hair, and Accessories: You have control over your Sim’s wardrobe, hairstyle, and accessories. Change outfits, give glamorous looks or switch swimwear. A new hairstyle can change a Sim completely. Accessories add personality.

With tools at hand, refine your Sims’ appearances to match their evolving stories or just your current tastes. Make them visually represent who you want them to be (or who you want to prank).

Trait Transformation: Changing Personality Perks (with a Little Help)

Traits are core personality building blocks of your Sims. They affect behavior and skills. You can’t directly swap traits in standard CAS for existing Sims, but cheats help.

• Cheat Code Trait Removal: For trait removal, cheats are your scalpel. The command traits.remove_trait [trait name] is key. First, know the exact trait name. Sims 4 trait names are often intuitive like ‘Active,’ ‘Creative,’ ‘Good.’ You might need a quick online search for others.
• A full list of trait names is available if you’re unsure. Once you find the name, replace [trait name] with the trait to banish. Then, poof! The trait disappears. It’s like virtual personality liposuction.
• Re-Traiting Potion: A Reward for Aspiration: For a more in-game method, the Re-Traiting Potion is useful. You can buy this potion from the Aspiration Reward store using satisfaction points your Sim earns from completing whims and aspirations. Drinking this potion lets your Sim select new traits like aging up. It feels more integrated into game progress.

With these two methods, you control your Sims’ personalities well. Want to shift your gloomy Sim into a cheerful one? Or change a slob Sim into a neat freak for laughs? Trait manipulation allows personality redesign.

Age is Just a Number (and Easily Changed): Modifying Life Stages

Sometimes, changing a Sim’s age is essential. Maybe you aged a toddler too soon or want to rewind a Sim to their prime. Luckily, age is flexible in The Sims 4.

• Cheat Code Age Adjustment: The easiest way to change a Sim’s age is using cheats. While there’s no direct “set age” cheat, you can trigger age transitions. For instance, force a Sim to age up to the next life stage. Combined with cas.fulleditmode, you can fine-tune their age in CAS afterwards. It’s awkward but effective.
• Birthday Cake Time-Warp: For a less cheat-y way, use a birthday cake. Simply have your Sim bake or buy one, add candles, and have the Sim you want to age blow out the candles. This triggers an age transition. It’s a classic Sims tradition that manages aging within game mechanics.

Whether you enjoy instant gratification of cheats or the celebratory ritual of birthday cakes, age is another variable you control in your Sims’ lives. Want a Sim to stay young? Or speed up their life for different generations? The power is yours.

Relationship Remix: Tweaking Connections Between Sims (It’s Complicated)

Relationships in The Sims 4 are complex and can become messy. If you want to adjust connections between your Sims, it’s tricky. Direct editing in CAS is limited, but there are workarounds and cheats to influence Sim interactions.

• CAS Relationship Cheats (Limited but Exist): While cas.fulleditmode opens most CAS features, it doesn’t give direct sliders to adjust relationship levels between Sims in the game world. However, there are relationship-related cheats you can use outside of CAS for manipulating friendships and romances. These involve using commands targeting Sim IDs, which might be technical. Simpler adjustments below are often more practical.
• Library Save, Edit, and Replace Trick: Here’s a clever method: save your household to the library. Edit that household in CAS from the library. In this library CAS mode, you *can* adjust starting relationships between Sims as if creating them from scratch. After editing, delete the original household in your game and replace it with the edited version from your library. It’s like Sim-household surgery – you take them out, improve them, and put them back in.

Editing relationships isn’t as straightforward as traits or appearances, but you can still influence social dynamics in your Sim world. Want instant soulmates? Or create bitter rivals? It’s possible with some effort.

Weighty Matters: Managing Sim Body Mass (and Avoiding the Dreaded “Pudge”)

Sims can gain or lose weight based on lifestyle choices. Junk food and couch habits lead to weight gain. Regular exercise and healthy eating can trim figures. But sometimes, you want a more direct approach using CAS and cheats.

• Lifestyle-Based Weight Management: The game simulates weight changes based on diet and exercise. If your Sim eats pizza often and skips the gym, they’ll likely gain weight. Conversely, if they eat salads and exercise, they’ll slim down. This is the realistic way to manage weight in the Sims world, if that’s your style.
• Cheat-Powered Instant Slimming (or Plumping): For immediate weight changes, cas.fulleditmode is your go-to tool. Once enabled, you’ll find body sliders that control muscle definition and fat levels. Want to shed those Sim-pounds? Drag the fat slider down. Need to bulk up your Sim with muscle? Use the muscle slider. Instant results for your Sim’s physique.

You can opt for the gradual lifestyle changes or instant cheat-powered body sculpting when managing your Sims’ weight. Just remember that even virtual Sims deserve balanced health or at least stylish physiques.

Troubleshooting Sim Editing: When Things Go Wrong (and How to Fix Them)

Even in The Sims 4, things might go awry occasionally. CAS full edit mode may not work, or glitches may appear. Don’t worry! Most issues are easily resolved with some troubleshooting knowledge. Let’s address common problems and their solutions.

“CAS Full Edit Mode Not Working!” – Common Causes and Fixes

The cas.fulleditmode cheat is usually reliable but may resist activation at times. Before giving up in frustration, check these common causes:

• Cheat Console Timing is Key: Entering the cheat at the wrong time is a frequent mistake. cas.fulleditmode must be entered *before* entering CAS. Typing it while in CAS won’t work; the game needs to know you want full edit mode *before* loading it with those permissions. Enter the cheat command in live mode, Manage Worlds, or while on the map screen *before* editing a Sim in CAS.
• “Testingcheats true” is Your Prerequisite: Always ensure you’ve enabled general cheats with testingcheats true *before* using cas.fulleditmode. This cheat relies on the broader cheat system being active. Think of testingcheats true as enabling the cheat power grid and cas.fulleditmode as plugging into it. Without power, no cheat function.

If you’ve checked these two points and cas.fulleditmode still misbehaves, try restarting your game. Sometimes a simple reboot clears temporary glitches and ensures smooth operation. It’s like turning it off and on – surprisingly effective.

Mod Mayhem: When Custom Content Conflicts Cause Chaos

Mods add depth to The Sims 4. However, they can also cause unexpected problems after updates or patches. If editing issues arise after using mods or CC, conflicts might be causing trouble.

• Incompatible Custom Content: Older custom content may become incompatible with newer versions of the game after patches. This incompatibility may cause glitches in CAS, crashes, or odd behavior. If you suspect CC might be the issue, a simple step is to remove your mods folder temporarily.
• The “Mods Folder Removal” Test: Exit the game completely. Find your “Mods” folder (usually located in DocumentsElectronic ArtsThe Sims 4Mods). Move this folder to your desktop or another location (don’t delete it). Restart your game and try editing a Sim in CAS again. If the issue is gone after removing your mods folder, then a mod or piece of CC is indeed the problem.
• Identifying the Problematic Mod/CC:If removing the entire mods folder solves the issue, you’ll need to
• do some detective work to find the problematic file. Add your mods and CC back in small batches. Test the game after each batch. This will help you spot the mod or CC item causing the issue. Once you locate it, remove it or check for an update from the creator.

Mod conflicts can be annoying but are common in modding. Regularly check for updates to mods. Be systematic in your fixes to reduce issues and have fun while playing. Think of it as digital housekeeping for your dollhouse.

Unlocking Hidden Treasures: Expanding Your CAS and Build/Buy Options

The Sims 4 has plenty of content. Some of it remains hidden behind certain conditions in the game. Cheats can help unlock these items, giving you more options in CAS and build mode. It’s like discovering secret levels in your favorite game, filled with stylish clothes and furniture.

Unveiling Hidden CAS Items: More Clothes, More Styles, More Fun

Want clothing and accessories not available in CAS? Cheats can unlock hidden fashion treasures.

• cas.unlockbytag Cheats: The cas.unlockbytag cheats unlock specific CAS item categories. For instance, cas.unlockbytag Outfit reveals career outfits. cas.unlockbytag Hair opens up normally hidden hairstyles. Different tags exist for various categories. Searching “Sims 4 cas.unlockbytag cheats” online will yield a complete list of tags and their unlocks.
• Gallery “CAS Unlock” Sims: Downloading a pre-made “CAS Unlock” Sim from the Gallery is another method to unlock hidden CAS items. These Sims are created to have all hidden CAS items unlocked. Adding them to your game unlocks these items for all Sims. It’s like getting a master key to all fashion closets in the Sim universe.

These methods can greatly expand your CAS wardrobe, adding new styles for your Sims. A hidden world of Sim fashion awaits your discovery.

Discovering Hidden Objects: Decorate Like a Pro (with Secret Stuff)

Build mode also has hidden objects, often debug items not normally accessible. These can add unique detail to your builds. Cheats come to the rescue!

• bb.showhiddenobjects Cheat: The bb.showhiddenobjects cheat is key for revealing hidden objects in build mode. Type it into the cheat console while in build mode, and new items appear under “debug” or “hidden objects.” These include rocks, plants, and environment-related objects that enhance your lots. It’s like finding hidden decoration stashes that developers created but didn’t include in the regular catalog.

Unlocking hidden objects can expand your build options significantly. Create an overgrown garden or add clutter to show a sense of life in your builds. Use bb.showhiddenobjects as your secret weapon.

Bypassing Object Locks: Building Anywhere, Anytime

Some build mode objects are locked behind gameplay milestones. Achieving those can be frustrating. What if you want that locked item now? There’s a cheat for that.

• bb.ignoregameplayunlocksentitlement Cheat: The bb.ignoregameplayunlocksentitlement cheat bypasses gameplay unlocks for build mode objects. With it active, you can place any object, regardless of gameplay status. It’s perfect for builders seeking full creative freedom without unlock restrictions. Think of it as a VIP pass to all build mode content.

Using these unlock cheats gives you access to CAS and build mode content, allowing truly unique creations. It’s like unlocking your full Sims 4 creative toolset.

Advanced Sim Editing: Going Beyond the Basics

After mastering Sim editing fundamentals, you may desire more control. The Sims 4’s cheat system offers advanced techniques beyond simple tweaks. Let’s look into some of these methods.

Editing Sims Not in Your Household: Neighborhood-Wide Makeovers

Want to update the townie’s style? You can reshape your Sim world to fit your vision. Editing Sims outside your household is entirely possible.

• “Manage Households” for Out-of-Household Edits: The “Manage Households” feature allows you to access and edit any household in your game, including unplayed ones. Go to “Manage Households” in Map View, find the household you want to edit, then select “Edit Household in CAS.” You can makeover any Sim regardless of whether you have played them.
• cas.fulleditmode Extends its Reach: The cas.fulleditmode cheat enhances your editing capabilities. When editing unplayed households through “Manage Households,” it ensures full access to all CAS features, just as with your Sims. It makes neighborhood-wide makeovers easy.

With these tools, curate the look of your Sim world, making every Sim stylish. It’s world domination with style.

Building Anywhere: Editing Non-Editable Lots (Defying Restrictions)

You can only build on residential or community lots normally. What if you want to build on a locked lot like a park? Cheat to the rescue!

• bb.enablefreebuild Cheat: The bb.enablefreebuild cheat unlocks build mode on any lot, regardless of normal status. Type this in while on the lot, and build mode activates. Customize pre-made lots or make hidden areas functional. It’s like having a universal building permit.

With bb.enablefreebuild, no lot is off-limits. Want to create a secret bunker in a local park? Or remodel a community space? Use this cheat for limitless possibilities.

WooHoo with the Grim Reaper: Because Why Not? (Cheat-Enabled Silliness)

Add absurdity to your gameplay with “WooHoo with the Grim Reaper.” Romance with him is generally complicated but cheats make anything possible.

• Cheat-Based Grim Reaper Romance: This involves several steps but results in hilarious gameplay. First, use cheats to add the Grim Reaper to your household. Then, remove the isGrimReaper trait from him so that he can date like other Sims. You can later restore his trait too. This cooky storyline promises unforgettable Sim moments.

WooHooing with the Grim Reaper showcases the flexibility of Sims 4 cheats. Some best stories arise from going off the beaten path.

Polyamorous Possibilities: Exploring Multiple Romantic Relationships (with and without Packs)

In Sims, sometimes one partner isn’t enough.

To explore complex relationship dynamics, The Sims 4 supports polyamorous relationships. It has different levels of support.

• “Lovestruck” Expansion Pack Features: Although there is no official “Lovestruck” Expansion Pack, some packs add relationship features. City Living and Eco Lifestyle, and Kits like Courtyard Oasis and Desert Luxe offer social interactions. These features, like open relationship sentiments, make managing multiple romances easier.
• “Free Love” Neighborhood Action Plan (NAP): The “Free Love” NAP in the Eco Lifestyle pack is a direct way to promote polyamory. This NAP lets partners have other romantic interests without jealousy. It simplifies polyamorous relationships, making them easier in the game. It creates a fun relationship dynamic for players.

The Sims 4 helps explore non-traditional relationship structures. Want to build a multi-partner household? Want to tell stories of Sims experiencing polyamory? The game provides flexibility to represent various relationship styles.

Console Sim Editing: For PlayStation Players

Sim editing is available for all players, not just PC users! Console players on PS4 and PS5 can use cheats and CAS full edit mode to customize their Sims. The method varies slightly due to the controller, but the outcome remains the same: you can create amazing Sim designs.

PlayStation Cheat Console and CAS Access

Here’s how to access cheats and CAS on PlayStation:

• Summoning the Console on PlayStation: To open the cheat console on PS4 and PS5, press all four shoulder buttons at once: L1, L2, R1, R2. It’s a finger workout, but it works. The cheat console will appear.
• Enabling Cheats and Full Edit Mode (PlayStation Style): You enter testingcheats true and cas.fulleditmode into the cheat console. Then press “X” to confirm. This unlocks cheats and full CAS editing.
• Accessing Sim Interactions: To edit a Sim, select that Sim. Press “X,” then “O” (circle). This brings up options like “Modify in CAS” or “Edit in CAS.” The buttons may vary, but “X” + “O” usually works to access interactions.

With these PlayStation steps, players can edit Sims like their PC counterparts. Regardless of platform, you can become a top Sim stylist. Enjoy your Simming experience!

For more details and guides, check out G2A News’ guide to editing Sims, RadioTimes’ Sims 4 cheats for all platforms, and TheGamer’s guide for changing Sim appearance. These resources offer additional information for enhancing your Sim editing adventures.