How to Get More Columns in Sims 4 Build Mode (March 2026)

Are you tired of the column limitations in Sims 4 build mode? Do you dream of creating grand architectural designs with unlimited columns? The More Columns feature is exactly what you need to transform your building experience in The Sims 4. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about expanding your column options in the game, from installation to advanced building techniques.

What Is the More Columns Feature in Sims 4?

The More Columns feature in Sims 4 refers to mods and cheats that allow players to place more columns than the default game limit. In the vanilla version of The Sims 4, players are restricted in how many columns they can place in certain configurations, which can limit architectural creativity. These modifications remove these restrictions, enabling builders to create more elaborate and realistic structures.

The most popular More Columns mod was created by modder TwistedMexi, who is well-known in the Sims community for various build mode enhancements. This mod allows players to place columns on top of each other, connect them in ways not normally possible, and essentially removes the game’s default column placement restrictions.

Why You Need More Columns in Your Sims 4 Builds?

Having access to more columns in Sims 4 opens up a world of architectural possibilities. Here’s why this feature is essential for serious builders:

1. Realistic Architecture: Many real-world buildings use multiple columns for support and aesthetic purposes. With more columns available, you can recreate these structures more accurately.
2. Enhanced Creativity: Column limitations can stifle creativity. Removing these restrictions allows you to design unique buildings that stand out in the Sims community.
3. Professional Builds: If you share your creations on the Gallery or build for others, having more column options gives your builds a more polished and professional appearance.
4. Historical Accuracy: Recreating historical buildings often requires specific column arrangements that aren’t possible with the default game limitations.
5. Structural Variety: More columns mean more options for creating interesting structural elements like pergolas, porticos, and colonnades.

How to Install the More Columns Mod in Sims 4?

Installing the More Columns mod is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps precisely to ensure the mod works correctly:

Step 1: Download the Mod

The More Columns mod can be downloaded from TwistedMexi’s official website or ModTheSims. Always download from reputable sources to avoid malware or corrupted files.

Download Link: TwistedMexi’s More Columns Mod

Step 2: Enable Mods in Your Game

Before installing any mod, you need to ensure mods are enabled in your game:

1. Launch The Sims 4
2. Go to Game Options > Other
3. Check the box that says “Enable Custom Content and Mods”
4. Also check “Script Mods Allowed” (this is crucial for the More Columns mod)
5. Restart your game

Step 3: Extract the Mod Files

Most mods come in compressed .zip or .rar files. You’ll need to extract these:

1. Right-click on the downloaded file
2. Select “Extract All” or use a program like WinRAR or 7-Zip
3. Extract the files to a temporary location on your computer

Step 4: Place the Mod in Your Mods Folder

1. Navigate to your Sims 4 documents folder (usually found at Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods)
2. Create a new folder inside the Mods folder named “More Columns Mod” (this helps with organization)
3. Copy the extracted .package and .ts4script files into this new folder
4. Ensure the files are not nested in additional subfolders within the “More Columns Mod” folder

Step 5: Verify Installation

1. Launch The Sims 4
2. On the main menu, look for a pop-up indicating that custom content has been detected
3. Go to Game Options > Custom Content to verify the More Columns mod is listed and enabled
4. Start a new game or load an existing save
5. Enter build mode and test the column functionality

Configuration Options for the More Columns Mod

The More Columns mod comes with several configuration options that allow you to customize its behavior. These settings can be adjusted by editing the configuration file that comes with the mod.

Accessing Configuration Settings

1. Navigate to your More Columns mod folder
2. Look for a file named “MoreColumns_Config.ini”
3. Open this file with a text editor like Notepad or TextEdit
4. Modify the settings as desired
5. Save the file and restart your game

Available Configuration Options

1. Column Stack Limit: Adjust how many columns can be stacked on top of each other (default: 10)
2. Connection Distance: Modify how far apart columns can be while still connecting (default: 5 tiles)
3. Diagonal Placement: Enable or disable diagonal column placement (default: true)
4. Foundation Compatibility: Allow columns to connect through foundations (default: true)
5. Debug Mode: Enable additional debugging information for troubleshooting (default: false)

Recommended Settings

For most users, the default settings work well. However, if you’re building on a powerful computer, you might want to increase the column stack limit to 20 for maximum flexibility. If you’re experiencing performance issues, consider reducing the connection distance to 3 tiles.

Compatibility with Game Versions and Other Mods

Ensuring compatibility is crucial for a smooth gaming experience. Here’s what you need to know about the More Columns mod’s compatibility:

Game Version Compatibility

The More Columns mod is regularly updated to work with the latest Sims 4 patches. As of March 2026, the mod is compatible with:

• PC/Mac: Version 1.105.332.1020 and later
• Console: Not available (mods cannot be installed on console versions)

Expansion Pack Compatibility

The More Columns mod is compatible with all expansion packs, game packs, and stuff packs. In fact, it enhances the building items from these packs by allowing more creative use of columns introduced in:

• Get Together (introduced new column styles)
• City Living (added modern column options)
• Island Living (included tropical column designs)
• Eco Lifestyle (featured sustainable column materials)
• Cottage Living (brought rustic column options)

Mod Compatibility

The More Columns mod generally works well with other build mode mods, but there are some known conflicts to be aware of:

Compatible Mods:

• Better Build/Buy
• Move Objects On (already included in the game)
• T.O.O.L. (Take Objects Off Lot)
• Height Sliders
• Roof Slope Modifier

Known Conflicts:

• Older versions of the “Place Columns Anywhere” mod
• Certain structural override mods
• Some custom column CC that modifies game behavior

Resolution for Conflicts:
If you experience conflicts, try these solutions:

1. Update all mods to their latest versions
2. Load More Columns mod last in your mods folder (rename it to “z_MoreColumns”)
3. Test mods individually to identify the specific conflict
4. Check mod creator pages for compatibility patches

Advanced Building Techniques with More Columns

Once you have the More Columns mod installed, you can explore these advanced building techniques:

Creating Grand Entrances

Design impressive entryways with multiple columns supporting elaborate porticos:

1. Place foundation pillars at regular intervals
2. Add columns on top of these pillars
3. Use the moveobjects cheat (bb.moveobjects) to place columns closer together
4. Add friezes or roof pieces on top of the columns
5. Decorate with lighting and landscaping

Building Colonnades

Create beautiful colonnades for gardens or courtyards:

1. Lay out a path or patio area
2. Place columns at regular intervals along the path
3. Connect columns with beams or arches
4. Add climbing plants or lighting
5. Consider adding a roof section for covered walkways

Multi-Level Column Structures

Design complex structures with columns spanning multiple floors:

1. Place columns on the ground floor
2. Use the “place columns on top of each other” feature to extend upward
3. Create different column styles for each floor
4. Connect floors with stairs or platforms
5. Add balconies or platforms supported by the columns

Decorative Column Patterns

Use columns purely for decoration to create interesting patterns:

1. Experiment with different column styles and materials
2. Create geometric patterns with columns
3. Use columns as room dividers
4. Combine with half-walls for unique layouts
5. Add lighting effects to highlight column arrangements

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with proper installation, you might encounter issues with the More Columns mod. Here are solutions to the most common problems:

Columns Not Stacking Properly

Problem: Columns won’t stack on top of each other despite having the mod installed.

Solutions:

1. Verify that script mods are enabled in your game options
2. Check that the .ts4script file is in your mods folder (not in a subfolder)
3. Delete the localthumbcache.package file from your Sims 4 folder
4. Repair your game through Origin/Steam
5. Reinstall the mod, ensuring all files are correctly placed

Game Crashes When Using Columns

Problem: Your game crashes when attempting to place columns or when loading a lot with many columns.

Solutions:

1. Reduce the column stack limit in the configuration file
2. Check for conflicting mods
3. Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date
4. Lower your game’s graphics settings
5. Test on a new save file to rule out save corruption

Columns Not Connecting

Problem: Columns placed near each other aren’t connecting as expected.

Solutions:

1. Increase the connection distance in the configuration file
2. Ensure columns are at the same height level
3. Check that you’re using compatible column styles
4. Try placing a floor tile between columns to force connection
5. Verify that diagonal placement is enabled if trying to connect diagonally

Mod Not Working After Game Update

Problem: The More Columns mod stopped working after a Sims 4 update.

Solutions:

1. Check the mod creator’s website for an updated version
2. Temporarily remove the mod until it’s updated
3. Participate in the mod’s Discord or forum for community support
4. Report the issue to the mod creator
5. Consider using an alternative solution temporarily

Alternative Solutions to Get More Columns

If the More Columns mod isn’t working for you or you prefer not to use mods, here are some alternative solutions:

Using Debug Items

The Sims 4 has debug items that include additional column options:

1. Open the cheat console (Ctrl+Shift+C on PC, Command+Shift+C on Mac)
2. Type “testingcheats true” and press Enter
3. Type “bb.showhiddenobjects” and press Enter
4. Enter build mode and search for “debug” in the build catalog
5. Look for additional column options in the debug section

Building with Workarounds

Create the illusion of more columns using these techniques:

1. Use half-walls as column bases
2. Place sculptures or other objects that resemble columns
3. Use fences with posts to create column-like structures
4. Combine different architectural elements to simulate columns
5. Use MOO (bb.moveobjects) to place objects in column formations

Using Gallery Creations

Download builds from the Gallery that feature advanced column usage:

1. Search for terms like “columns,” “Greek,” “Roman,” or “mansion”
2. Filter by “Custom Content” if you’re comfortable with CC
3. Study how other builders have worked around column limitations
4. Save these builds to your library and use them as templates
5. Learn from their techniques to apply to your own builds

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the More Columns mod safe to use?

Yes, the More Columns mod created by TwistedMexi is considered safe to use. It’s a script mod that only modifies build mode functionality and doesn’t affect save files in a harmful way. However, as with any mod, it’s always wise to back up your saves before installation.

Can I use the More Columns mod on console versions of Sims 4?

No, mods cannot be installed on console versions of The Sims 4 (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch). This limitation is set by Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, not by the game developers.

Will the More Columns mod cause my game to lag?

The More Columns mod has minimal performance impact on most systems. However, if you’re building with an extremely high number of columns or playing on a lower-end computer, you might experience some lag. Adjusting the configuration settings can help optimize performance.

H3: Do I need to update the More Columns mod with every Sims 4 patch?

Not necessarily with every patch, but it’s recommended to check for updates after major game updates (especially expansion pack releases). The mod creator will typically update the mod if a patch breaks its functionality.

Can I share lots built with the More Columns mod on the Gallery?

Yes, you can share lots built with the More Columns mod on the Gallery. However, other players who download your lot will need the same mod for the columns to appear correctly. It’s good practice to mention in your lot description that the More Columns mod is required.

Does the More Columns mod work with custom content columns?

In most cases, yes. The More Columns mod should work with custom content columns that don’t modify the game’s core column behavior. However, some CC columns might not be compatible if they override game files.

Can I uninstall the More Columns mod after using it in a save?

Yes, you can safely uninstall the More Columns mod. However, any builds that used the mod’s features may not display correctly afterward. It’s best to either keep the mod or replace affected columns with standard ones before uninstalling.

Is there a limit to how many columns I can place with the mod?

The default configuration allows up to 10 columns to be stacked, but this can be adjusted in the configuration file. Technically, there’s no hard limit, but performance may suffer with extremely high numbers of columns.

Conclusion

The More Columns mod is an essential tool for any serious Sims 4 builder who wants to push the boundaries of architectural design in the game. By removing the default column limitations, this mod opens up a world of creative possibilities, from grand classical structures to modern architectural marvels.

Whether you’re building historical recreations, modern mansions, or fantasy structures, having access to more columns will elevate your builds to the next level. With proper installation and configuration, this mod is stable, safe, and compatible with most other mods and game versions.

Remember to always back up your saves before installing new mods, keep your mods updated, and support the mod creators who enhance our Sims 4 experience. Happy building!

Additional Resources

For more Sims 4 building tips and tricks, check out these resources:

• Ultimate Roof Manipulation Guide
• Advanced MOO Techniques for Builders
• Creating Custom Room Layouts
• Sims 4 Building Cheats Guide
• Best Custom Content for Builders

For community support and inspiration, consider joining:

• The official Sims forums
• r/Sims4 on Reddit
• Sims Community Discord servers
• Building-focused Facebook groups
• YouTube channels dedicated to Sims building tutorials