Sims 4 Studio, explained

Sims 4 Studio (S4S) is a free fan-made tool for making custom content for The Sims 4. You use it to recolor items, import new meshes, and edit package files. Download it only from sims4studio.com, with a free forum account.

EA does not make or support it. A volunteer team builds it and runs a forum with tutorials and help.

A small fan team. The forum user andrew is the tech lead and posts each new build. The admin orangemittens wrote many of the early tutorials. Moderators and alpha testers help with each release.

The team updates the tool when game patches change files. In October 2026, the download board lists Star 3.2.6.5 and Aurora 1.4.6.2, with new posts from late September 2026.

From sims4studio.com and nowhere else. Many other sites offer old or changed copies.

1. Go to sims4studio.com and register a free account.
2. Open the board "Download Sims 4 Studio - Open Beta Version".
3. Pick Star for Windows or Aurora for Mac.
4. Read the system needs on that page, then use the download link there.

Why the beta? The forum says a game patch broke the older "community tested" version. The team now points everyone to the open beta.

Some antivirus programs block the tool from writing its own files. The forum has a guide to allow it in common antivirus apps.

The download pages list these needs:

• Windows: a 64-bit version of Windows and Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime 6.0 (x64). The tool is now 64-bit only, like the game.
• Mac: macOS 10.11 (El Capitan) or later. The new build runs on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs without Rosetta 2.
• Blender: only for meshes and animation. The new builds work with Blender 3.6 to 5.2, and still with the old 2.7 versions.
• Linux: not supported directly. The Windows page tells Linux users to use Wine 10.

You also need The Sims 4 installed, because the tool reads the game files.

• Recolors. Copy a CAS item or an object, then swap its texture for one you paint. A standalone recolor is a new item, so it does not change the original.
• Meshes. Export a mesh, change its shape in Blender, and import it again.
• Merge packages. Join many CC files into one. Keep the merge manifest if you want to split them again later. Guides say to merge only CC, not mods, because merged mods can stop working.
• Batch fixes. Run one fix on your whole Mods folder, for example after a patch changes how CC works. The tool saves a backup of each file it changes.
• Tuning. The new Tuning Editor tab lets you edit tuning resources and link them to CAS and Buy Mode items.
• Troubleshooting. Scan a folder for resource conflicts, find a resource, or clear the thumbnail cache.

In current builds, Merge Packages and Batch Fixes sit in the Content Management menu. Older guides put them under Tools.

A simple solid-color recolor of a clothing item is a good first task. You also need an image editor with layers, such as GIMP.

1. Open Sims 4 Studio. Type your creator name in the box at the bottom right.
2. Select "Create CAS Standalone", then click the CAS button.
3. Find the item with the filters. Pick its lightest color, then click Next.
4. Give the package a clear name and save it in a test folder inside your Mods folder.
5. On the Texture tab, check that Diffuse is selected. Click Export and save the image.
6. Open the image in your editor. Change the color and save it as a .png.
7. Back in Studio, select Diffuse again and click Import. Choose your .png.
8. Click Save.
9. Start the game in a test save. Find your item in its usual CAS category.

For a Buy Mode object, pick "Standalone Recolour" and the Object button instead. If you recolor another creator's CC, their original mesh must also be in your Mods folder.

Making CC takes time. If you want a break, LifeSim is a free life sim in your browser, set on a real map of Earth. People talk back in your own words. It has no CC tools and is a different game from The Sims. Read about the life simulator, or see our Sims 4 custom content guide.

Is Sims 4 Studio free?

Yes. You only need a free account on the official forum to download it.

Is Sims 4 Studio safe?

Yes, from sims4studio.com. Avoid copies on other download sites.

Does Sims 4 Studio work on Mac?

Yes. The Mac build is called Aurora and needs macOS 10.11 or later.

Do I need Blender?

Only to change meshes or make animations. Recolors need just an image editor.

Can Sims 4 Studio fix my mods?

Its batch fixes repair some CC after patches. Script mods need an update from their creator. See Sims 4 mods and the best Sims 4 mods.

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• Sims 4 Studio: official site and forum
• Sims 4 Studio: downloading Sims 4 Studio
• Sims 4 Studio: open beta downloads
• Sims 4 Studio for Windows (Star): open beta
• Sims 4 Studio for Mac (Aurora): open beta
• Sims 4 Studio: no community tested version
• Sims 4 Studio: antivirus problems
• Sims 4 Studio forum: batch fix
• Sims 4 Studio: create a standalone recolor of custom content
• The Sims 4 Modders Reference: Sims 4 Studio menus
• Snarky Sims: recolouring for complete beginners
• Syboulette: creating custom content, where to begin