Sims 4’s recent move to F2P (free-to-play) caused a resurgence in player size. If you didn’t have the opportunity to build your dream home so far, the free base game provides plenty of customization options to get started. However, the game still lacks a bit in terms of object movement and fitment. That is, if you decide to play by the rules.
Fudging objects around is a common for players who strive to achieve the perfect arrangement of furniture and household items (particularly for those who appreciate the principles of Feng Shui).
Here’s how you can move objects up and down in Sims 4, and some help for when you need to resort to developer tools and cheats to get better results.
Moving Objects Up and Down in Build Mode
To move objects up and down, first enter the Build Mode by pressing F2 or clicking on the hammer and wrench icon in the lower-right corner of the screen. This is only available after you’ve created and moved a Sim family into a lot.
The main feature of the Build Mode you’ll have to work with (or overcome) is the grid system. At its core the game’s grid system is designed to help position objects with ease. However, being confined to full square grid spaces can be limiting when it comes to creating realistic and natural room layouts.
For example, most furniture, appliances, and doors or windows take up an exact amount of squares into the grid. They can also be put only at the center or the edge of the grid (depending on the object in question).
Thankfully, The Sims 4 offers a solution to this problem. By simply pressing the F5 key, you can toggle between different grid sizes, including full, half, or quarter squares. These size variations are visible on the floor grid, enabling more precise object placement. With this feature, you can create more authentic and comfortable spaces, such as placing a bed and nightstand closer together for a cozier bedroom arrangement.
Moving Objects Without Cheats
Wall objects, such as paintings, windows, and shelves, can be adjusted by targeting various points on the surface. To bypass the grid system for more precise wall placement, press and hold the ALT key while positioning objects.
For wall objects like paintings, windows, and shelves, you can move them up and down on the wall by clicking and dragging them to the desired location. Hold the ALT key while placing the object to bypass the grid system and place it anywhere on the wall.
Moving Objects With Cheats
When adding more surfaces, such as walls, cabinets, and tables, the game modifies the grid system accordingly. This usually constricts the available space for other objects like decorations and furnishings. For example, sinks (whether for the toilet or the kitchen) don’t have slots for other decoration. You’ll likely need to put the paper towel on an adjacent cabinet, wasting even more space.
Mastering the art of moving objects with cheats allows you to unleash your creativity and customize your virtual space to suit your desires. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to this world, there are techniques to effortlessly control objects and transform your environment in ways you never thought possible.
If you want to move objects freely, you’ll need to enable the “bb.moveobjects” cheat. Here’s how:
- While in Build mode, press CTRL + Shift + C to open the cheat console.
- Type “
testingcheats true” and press Enter.
- Type the “
bb.moveobjects on” command and press Enter to enable the specific cheat.
Once the cheat is enabled, you get more options.
Press the 9 key to raise the object incrementally, and the 0 key to lower it. Hold the ALT key to adjust its placement further.
Advanced Object Manipulation Techniques
In The Sims 4, creating unique and personalized spaces often involves the use of advanced object manipulation techniques. There are various methods for fine-tuning your object placement, rotation, scaling, and more, enabling you to take your builds to the next level.
Object Rotation and Angles
You can rotate objects in The Sims 4 by clicking and holding the object, then moving the mouse in the direction you want it to face. For more precise control over an object’s orientation, hold the ALT key while rotating. This enables you to place objects at custom angles, which can be especially helpful for creating unique arrangements and layouts.
Scaling Objects
The Sims 4 also allows you to resize objects, offering even greater customization possibilities. To scale an object, first select it in Build/Buy mode. Then, press the left bracket key ([) to shrink the object or the right bracket key (]) to enlarge it. Note that resizing objects may cause them to lose functionality or create clipping issues with other objects.
Object Cloning and Eyedropper Tool
To speed up your building process, you can clone objects using the eyedropper tool. Simply click on the eyedropper icon or press the “E” key, then click on the object you want to duplicate. This will automatically select the same object in your catalog, allowing you to place multiple copies quickly.
Off-Grid Placement and Wall Objects
Bypassing the grid system while placing objects is a simple process. All you need to do is choose the object you want to place, then press and hold the “ALT” key on your keyboard. With the “ALT” key held down, you’re free to move the selected object anywhere, provided it doesn’t intersect with another object or a wall.
You also have the freedom to rotate objects a full 360 degrees. To achieve this, select the desired object, hold down the “ALT” key, then click and hold the left mouse button. Now you can spin the object in any direction you desire, allowing for limitless customization.
The same “ALT” key trick works for wall objects too! Press and hold the “ALT” key while placing wall objects, and you’ll be able to position them anywhere on the wall, giving you total control over your interior design.
Tips and Tricks for Optimizing Object Placement
Achieving the ideal object placement in The Sims 4 can significantly enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your Sims’ living spaces. You can explore and play with many options for this, and here are a few tips and tricks to optimize object placement, making your builds more efficient, visually appealing, and user-friendly.
Take Advantage of Shortcuts
Familiarize yourself with key shortcuts to speed up the building process. Some important shortcuts include:
- F1: Switch to Live Mode
- F2: Switch to Buy Mode
- F3: Switch to Build Mode
- E: Select Eyedropper Tool
- R: Select Sledgehammer Tool
- H: Hand Tool
- K: Design Tool
Use the Grid System
The Sims 4’s grid system provides a convenient way to align objects in a tidy, organized manner. While you can bypass the grid system using the ALT key, it’s often helpful to use the grid as a foundation for your designs. Aligning objects on the grid can make your spaces look more cohesive and professional.
How to Prevent Objects From Snapping?
When adding decorations to cabinets, tables, or shelves, some objects like to snap to existing grid pieces, giving them a fixed orientation and limiting where you can put other décor. To overcome this, use the bb.moveobjects cheat and move the surface out of the way.
For example, let’s say you want to put a paper towel between the sink and the cabinet:
- Move the sink out of the way.
- Put the paper towel on the ground where you want it to be. You need to use the cheat to freely move it around.
- Move it up or down with the 0 and 9 keys until it reaches the height of the cabinet.
- Place the sink “below” the paper towel.
You may need to repeat this multiple times for more decoration.
Group Objects for Cohesive Design
When arranging furniture and decorative items, consider grouping objects with similar styles, colors, or themes. This can create a more cohesive and visually appealing space. For example, you might group plants together in a corner to create a small indoor garden, or arrange a set of matching chairs around a coffee table for a cozy seating area.
With the moveobjects cheat, you can place some furniture into others, creating different headboards and eliminating excess space that objects take.
Leave Space for Sim Navigation
While it’s tempting to fill every inch of your Sims’ home with objects, it’s essential to leave enough space for your Sims to move around comfortably. Ensure there’s ample room for Sims to access doors, appliances, and furniture without getting stuck or taking circuitous routes.
For best results, put a Sim near the house and exit Build Mode after every significant change. Prompt the Sim to interact with the objects you moved or altered to ensure they can get around.
Use Lighting to Enhance Object Placement
Strategic lighting can highlight specific objects or areas, drawing attention to your carefully placed items. Experiment with different light sources, such as floor lamps, table lamps, wall sconces, or ceiling lights, to create different moods and ambiance within a room.
By incorporating these tips and tricks into your building process, you’ll optimize object placement in The Sims 4, resulting in more attractive and functional spaces for your Sims to enjoy.
Unleashing Your Creative Potential With Advanced Object Placement Techniques
By mastering object movement and orientation, you can take your builds to the next level, infusing them with personalized style and intricate designs.
To achieve the best results, experiment with different object placement techniques. Try out different heights, groupings, and lighting arrangements to create unique and visually appealing spaces that truly reflect your Sims’ personalities and needs.
The MoveObjects cheat is indispensable if you want to unlock new possibilities for your builds and create a more lively build. Whether you’re stacking objects, creating multi-level designs, or crafting custom arrangements, this cheat can help you achieve your goals with ease.
What are your best tips for Sims 4 object placement and build customization? Share them in the comment section below.
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