The Sims Resource Sims 4 (March 2026) Complete CC Guide

Updated by Shruti Agarwal
November 2, 2025
GamingThe Sims 4

The Sims Resource (TSR) stands as the largest and most comprehensive custom content platform for The Sims 4, offering players an endless array of possibilities to enhance their gameplay experience. Since its establishment in 1999, TSR has evolved into the go-to destination for Simmers seeking high-quality custom content (CC) ranging from intricate hairstyles to elaborate furniture sets. This definitive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about navigating, downloading, installing, and even creating content for The Sims Resource, ensuring your Sims 4 experience is as personalized and immersive as possible. Whether you’re a newcomer to the world of custom content or a seasoned CC collector looking to optimize your TSR experience, this comprehensive resource covers every aspect of this essential Sims 4 platform.

What is The Sims Resource?

The Sims Resource (TSR) is a dedicated website that hosts custom content for all games in The Sims franchise, with a particularly extensive collection for The Sims 4. Founded over two decades ago, it has grown to become the largest Sims CC platform globally, featuring contributions from thousands of creators and millions of downloadable items. Unlike the official Gallery or in-game store, TSR specializes in user-generated content that expands the game far beyond its original limitations.

History and Evolution

TSR began during the era of The Sims 1, when players first started modifying their games. As each iteration of The Sims released, TSR adapted and expanded its offerings. With The Sims 4, TSR introduced new features like:

Enhanced preview systems with 360° item viewing
Direct integration with the game through the TSR app
Improved search and filtering capabilities
Creator monetization options through subscription tiers

Key Features of TSR

Massive Content Library: With over 1 million items, TSR offers everything from basic recolors to complex gameplay modifications.
Creator Community: TSR hosts thousands of creators, from established artists to emerging talents, all contributing unique content.
Free and Premium Content: While most items are available for free, TSR offers a premium subscription for ad-free browsing and exclusive early access to certain content.
Custom Content Management: The TSR Application helps players organize and install their downloaded content seamlessly.
Quality Control: While not perfect, TSR has a moderation system that helps maintain a certain quality standard for uploaded content.

Getting Started with The Sims Resource

Creating an Account

Before you can download content from TSR, you’ll need to create a free account:

Visit thesimsresource.com
Click the “Register” button in the top right corner
Fill in your details (username, email, password)
Verify your email address
Log in and start exploring!

Understanding TSR Membership Tiers

TSR offers several membership options:

Free Membership:

Access to all free content
Ability to favorite and comment on items
Limited download speed
Ad-supported browsing experience

VIP Membership (Subscription-based):

Ad-free browsing
Faster download speeds
Early access to select new content
Exclusive VIP-only items
Higher daily download limits
Priority customer support

Creator Account:

All features of free membership
Ability to upload and share your own creations
Access to creator tools and analytics
Potential to earn from your content through subscriptions

Navigating The Sims Resource Website

Main Sections

The TSR website is organized into several key sections:

Downloads: The main area where you can browse all available content
Creators: Directory of all content creators on the platform
Forums: Community discussion boards
Articles: Tutorials, features, and community spotlights
My Account: Personal dashboard for managing your content and settings

Search and Filter Options

TSR offers powerful search capabilities to help you find exactly what you’re looking for:

Basic Search: Enter keywords in the search bar at the top of the page
Advanced Filters: Refine your search by:

Content type (CAS, Build/Buy, Mods)
Expansion pack compatibility
Creator
Date added
Download count
Rating
Free vs. VIP content

Category Browsing: Explore content through predefined categories:

Female/Male Clothing
Hair
Makeup
Furniture
Decor
Build items
Lots
Mods

Understanding Item Pages

Each item on TSR has its own dedicated page with:

Multiple preview images and sometimes videos
Detailed description from the creator
Download statistics
User ratings and reviews
Related items
Creator information
Compatibility information (game version, required packs)

Downloading and Installing TSR Content

Method 1: Manual Download and Installation

Find Your Desired Content:

Browse or search for items you want
Click on the item to view its page
Check compatibility with your game version

Download the Content:

Click the “Download” button
Wait for the countdown timer (free accounts) or download immediately (VIP)
Save the file to a memorable location on your computer

Extract the Files:

Most TSR downloads come in .zip or .rar format
Right-click the file and select “Extract All” or use a program like WinRAR or 7-Zip
Extract to a dedicated folder for your CC

Install the Content:

Copy the extracted .package files (not the folders) to your Mods folder
The Mods folder is typically located at: Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods
For organization, you can create subfolders within the Mods folder

Enable Custom Content in Game:

Launch The Sims 4
Go to Game Options > Other
Check “Enable Custom Content and Mods”
Check “Script Mods Allowed” (if downloading script mods)
Restart the game

Method 2: Using the TSR Application

The TSR Application streamlines the process of downloading and managing custom content:

Download and Install the TSR App:

Visit thesimsresource.com/downloads/info/tsr-app
Download the application for your operating system
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions

Set Up the Application:

Launch the TSR App
Log in with your TSR account credentials
The app will automatically detect your Sims 4 installation

Browse and Download:

Use the built-in browser to find content
Click “Download with App” on item pages
The app will automatically download and install the content

Manage Your Content:

View all downloaded content in the “My Downloads” section
Enable/disable items directly from the app
Check for updates to your downloaded content

Organizing Your Custom Content

As your CC collection grows, organization becomes crucial:

Create Subfolders:

Organize by type (Hair, Clothing, Furniture)
Organize by creator
Organize by theme or collection

Naming Conventions:

Use consistent naming for your folders
Include creator names and item descriptions
Consider adding version numbers or dates

Regular Maintenance:

Periodically review and remove unused CC
Check for broken or outdated items
Keep track of your favorite creators for updates

Creating and Uploading Content to TSR

Getting Started as a Creator

If you’re interested in creating your own custom content:

Required Tools:

For CAS items: Sims 4 Studio, Blender, Photoshop/GIMP
For Build/Buy items: Sims 4 Studio, Blender, texture editing software
For lots: The Sims 4 game with relevant packs

Learning Resources:

TSR’s own tutorials and forums
YouTube tutorials from experienced creators
Community Discord servers and forums

Creator Account Setup:

Log into your TSR account
Apply for creator status in your account settings
Wait for approval from TSR moderators

Creating Your First Item

Choose Your Medium:

Start with simpler projects like recolors
Progress to meshing and more complex creations
Consider specializing in a particular type of content

Creation Process:

Extract game resources using Sims 4 Studio
Modify or create new meshes/textures
Ensure proper UV mapping and texture quality
Test thoroughly in-game

Quality Assurance:

Check for visual glitches
Ensure proper LODs (Level of Detail)
Test with different game settings
Verify compatibility with various expansions

Uploading to TSR

Prepare Your Upload:

Take high-quality preview images
Write detailed descriptions
Tag appropriately for search visibility
Package your files correctly

Submission Process:

Log into your creator account
Click “Upload” in the creator dashboard
Fill in all required information
Upload your files and images
Submit for review

Post-Upload Management:

Respond to comments and feedback
Update items if issues are discovered
Consider creating collections of related items

Troubleshooting Common TSR Issues

Download Problems

Slow Download Speeds:

Consider upgrading to VIP membership
Download during off-peak hours
Check your internet connection
Try using the TSR Application

Failed Downloads:

Clear your browser cache
Disable browser extensions
Try a different browser
Check available disk space

Corrupted Files:

Redownload the item
Check your antivirus isn’t blocking the download
Ensure extraction software is up to date

Installation Issues

Content Not Appearing in Game:

Verify custom content is enabled in game options
Check that files are in the correct Mods folder
Ensure .package files aren’t nested too deeply in subfolders
Look for conflicts with other mods

Game Crashes After Installing CC:

Use the 50/50 method to identify problematic items
Check for outdated mods incompatible with current game patches
Verify you have the required expansion packs
Look for conflicting items

Visual Glitches or Distortions:

Check if the item is compatible with your game version
Verify you have all required mesh files
Look for texture issues or missing resources
Consider graphics settings adjustments

TSR Application Issues

App Not Detecting Game:

Manually specify your game installation path
Ensure you have the latest version of the app
Check that your game is updated to the current version
Run the app as administrator

Download Failures in App:

Check your internet connection
Restart the application
Clear the app’s cache
Reinstall the application if problems persist

TSR Alternatives and Complementary Resources

While TSR is the largest CC platform, several other sites offer quality content:

ModTheSims:

One of the oldest Sims modding communities
Focuses more on gameplay mods than CAS/Build items
Strong community and support forums

Tumblr:

Many creators share content directly on their blogs
Often features more experimental or niche content
Direct creator interaction

Patreon:

Many creators offer exclusive content to subscribers
Often provides early access to new items
Direct support for your favorite creators

Curated Collections:

Websites like SimsDomination aggregate content from various sources
Often feature themed collections and finds
Good for discovering new creators

Reddit Communities:

r/Sims4CC: Dedicated to custom content finds
r/thesims: General Sims discussion with CC recommendations
r/Sims4: Community for sharing and discovering content

Safety Considerations When Using TSR

Protecting Your Game

Backup Your Saves:

Regularly backup your save files before adding new CC
Create a clean save without CC for testing purposes
Consider using the MCCC “Save Cleaner” tool

Patch Management:

Remove or disable mods before game updates
Wait for creator updates after major patches
Check compatibility before reinstalling

Quality Control:

Download from reputable creators
Read reviews and comments before downloading
Be cautious with new or untested content

Computer Safety

Scan Downloads:

Use antivirus software to scan downloaded files
Be cautious with executable files (rare for CC but possible)
Avoid downloading from suspicious external links

Resource Management:

Be mindful of how much CC you install (can impact performance)
Use tools like Sims 4 Studio to merge package files
Monitor your game’s performance with large CC collections

Maximizing Your TSR Experience

Discovering Quality Content

Follow Favorite Creators:

Create a list of trusted creators
Check their profiles regularly for new content
Enable notifications if available

Utilize Collections:

Browse curated collections on TSR
Create your own collections of favorite items
Follow collections that match your style

Community Engagement:

Participate in TSR forums
Leave constructive comments on items you enjoy
Share your own creations and gameplay screenshots

Advanced Tips

Custom Content Organization:

Use the TSR Application to manage large libraries
Implement a consistent folder structure
Keep a spreadsheet of your favorite items and creators

Performance Optimization:

Regularly clean out unused CC
Use lower-poly alternatives for performance-heavy items
Consider batch fixing tools for common issues

Stay Updated:

Follow TSR on social media for announcements
Join creator Discord servers for early updates
Regularly check for game patch compatibility

Conclusion

The Sims Resource remains an invaluable platform for The Sims 4 players looking to customize and enhance their gameplay experience. With its vast library of content, active creator community, and user-friendly interface, TSR offers something for every type of player. By following this comprehensive guide, you can navigate the platform with confidence, build a stunning custom content collection, and even create your own contributions to the Sims community. Remember to always prioritize safety and organization as you explore the endless possibilities that TSR brings to The Sims 4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Sims Resource free to use?

Yes, The Sims Resource offers a free membership tier that provides access to most content on the platform. However, they also offer a VIP subscription that removes ads, provides faster downloads, and gives access to exclusive content. The free membership is sufficient for most users, but dedicated CC collectors might find the VIP benefits worthwhile.

Is downloading from TSR safe?

Generally, TSR is considered a safe platform for downloading custom content. The site has moderation systems in place to prevent malicious content. However, it’s always wise to:

Have antivirus software installed
Read comments and reviews before downloading
Backup your game saves before adding new CC
Be cautious with very new uploads from unknown creators

Why isn’t my TSR content showing up in the game?

Several issues could cause this problem:

Ensure custom content is enabled in Game Options > Other
Check that files are placed in Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods
Verify .package files aren’t nested more than one folder deep
Make sure you’ve restarted the game after adding new content
Check if the content requires specific expansion packs you don’t have

How do I update TSR custom content after a game patch?

After major game patches:

Remove all custom content and mods before updating the game
Update the game to the latest version
Check TSR and creator sites for updated versions of your favorite CC
Gradually reintroduce your content, checking for compatibility
The TSR Application can help identify items that need updates

Can I make money creating content for TSR?

Yes, TSR offers a program where creators can earn money from their content. This typically involves:

Having a creator account with a certain number of quality uploads
Receiving a share of the subscription revenue based on your content’s popularity
Potentially offering exclusive content to subscribers
The exact terms and payment structure are detailed in the creator section of the TSR website

How much custom content can The Sims 4 handle?

The amount of CC your game can handle depends on your computer’s specifications. While some players run the game with over 10GB of custom content, others experience performance issues with much less. To optimize performance:

Use the TSR Application to manage your CC
Merge smaller package files when possible
Regularly remove unused or problematic items
Monitor your game’s loading times and frame rate

What’s the difference between TSR and the Sims 4 Gallery?

The Sims 4 Gallery is an official platform by EA that allows players to share Sims, lots, and rooms created with in-game tools. TSR focuses on custom content that adds new items, clothing, and features not available in the base game or expansion packs. While Gallery content uses only existing game assets, TSR content introduces entirely new assets created by the community.

Can I use TSR content on console versions of The Sims 4?

No, custom content from TSR and other third-party sites is only compatible with the PC/Mac versions of The Sims 4. Console versions (PlayStation and Xbox) do not support custom content or mods due to platform restrictions. Console players are limited to content available through the official Gallery and DLC packs.

How do I report inappropriate or broken content on TSR?

If you encounter content that violates TSR’s terms of service or doesn’t work as described:

Navigate to the item’s page
Look for a “Report” button or link
Select the appropriate reason for your report
Provide a detailed explanation of the issue
TSR moderators will review your report and take appropriate action

Can I modify or redistribute TSR content?

Generally, TSR content is protected by copyright and should not be modified or redistributed without the creator’s explicit permission. Each creator may have different policies regarding:

Recolors of their items
Conversions to different game versions
Inclusion in lots or Sims uploaded to the Gallery
Modification of meshes or textures
Always check the creator’s TOU (Terms of Use) which is usually linked on their profile or item pages.