How do you enable free build in The Sims 4?

How to enable free build in The Sims 4

Open the cheat console with Ctrl + Shift + C (Cmd + Shift + C on Mac, all four shoulder buttons on console). Type bb.enablefreebuild and press Enter. You can now use Build Mode on lots that are normally locked, such as the hospital and university housing. It is a Build Mode cheat, so you do not need testingcheats.

Pack: Base game.

Steps

Go to the lot you want to edit.
Open the cheat console: Ctrl + Shift + C on PC, Cmd + Shift + C on Mac, L1 + L2 + R1 + R2 together on PlayStation, or LB + LT + RB + RT together on Xbox.
Type bb.enablefreebuild and confirm.
Open Build Mode. The lot is no longer locked.
Make your changes. Do not remove the objects the lot needs to work.

Which lots free build opens

The cheat works on lots the game normally locks. Examples are career lots such as the hospital from Get to Work, and university housing from Discover University.

The game describes the cheat as turning on free build mode for the current lot. Type it again on each locked lot you want to edit.

Free build and other build cheats

Some guides call bb.moveobjects on the free build cheat, because it lets you place objects freely. That cheat removes placement rules. bb.enablefreebuild unlocks the lot itself. Use both to edit a locked lot with no placement limits.

On console, Build Mode cheats do not turn off trophies or achievements.

Turning free build off

EA does not list an off command for bb.enablefreebuild. Save your game before you use it. To undo your changes, load that save.

Common problems

Build Mode is still locked

Check the spelling: bb.enablefreebuild, in lowercase with no spaces. Type it while you are on the locked lot, then open Build Mode again.

The lot stopped working after I edited it

You may have removed an object the lot needs, such as the beds in a dorm. Load your save from before the edit, or put the objects back.

I want to place objects anywhere on the unlocked lot

Also type bb.moveobjects on. Free build only unlocks the lot; it does not remove placement rules.

Cheats on this page

Open the cheat box with Ctrl + Shift + C on PC, Cmd + Shift + C on Mac, or all four shoulder buttons on PlayStation and Xbox. See every Sims 4 cheat.

bb.enablefreebuild Lets you enter build mode on lots that are normally locked, like some community lots.
bb.moveobjects on Lets you place objects anywhere in build mode: overlapping other objects, through walls, or in midair. More on bb.moveobjects

In the Sims 4 database

More how-to guides

Play your Sims somewhere new

LifeSim is a free life sim in your browser, set in real cities. It can bring in a household from your Sims 4 Tray files or a save: import a Sims 4 household. It doesn't change your Sims 4 game.

Sources

Checked on November 5, 2026.

Questions

How do you turn off free build in Sims 4?

The game has no documented off command. Save before you use the cheat, and load that save to undo the changes.

Does free build work on console?

Yes. Open the cheat console with all four shoulder buttons and type bb.enablefreebuild.

Can you edit the hospital in Sims 4?

Yes, with bb.enablefreebuild. The hospital comes with the Get to Work expansion pack.

How do you build anywhere in Sims 4?

Use bb.enablefreebuild to unlock locked lots and bb.moveobjects on to place objects anywhere on the lot.