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How to Unleash Your Inner Architect: Mastering Free Object Placement in The Sims 4

Placing objects freely in The Sims 4 unlocks a whole new level of creative control, allowing you to build truly unique and personalized homes. The key to achieving this is by using the bb.moveobjects cheat, which removes the constraints of the game’s grid system. To enable free object placement, open the cheat console by pressing Ctrl + Shift + C (or Command + Shift + C on a Mac). Type “bb.moveobjects on” and press Enter. Once activated, you can move objects anywhere within your lot, even allowing them to overlap. For even finer control, hold down the Alt key while moving or rotating an object to bypass grid snapping.

Diving Deeper into Object Placement Mastery

Simply knowing the bb.moveobjects cheat is just the tip of the iceberg. True mastery lies in understanding how to combine it with other techniques and tricks to achieve precisely the look you desire. Let’s explore these techniques in detail:

The Power of “bb.moveobjects on”

This cheat is the cornerstone of free object placement. It essentially disables the game’s collision detection, allowing you to place objects inside other objects. This is incredibly useful for creating cluttered, realistic environments, or for achieving unique design features that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.

Enabling the Cheat:

Press Ctrl + Shift + C (or Command + Shift + C on Mac) to open the cheat console.
Type “bb.moveobjects on” and press Enter.
You’ll receive a confirmation message indicating that the cheat is active.
Close the cheat console by pressing Ctrl + Shift + C (or Command + Shift + C on Mac) again.

Disabling the Cheat:

Repeat the process above, but type “bb.moveobjects off” instead.

Finessing Placement with the Alt Key

While bb.moveobjects allows objects to overlap, it doesn’t inherently give you precise control over their position. That’s where the Alt key comes in.

Free Movement: With bb.moveobjects enabled, select an object. Hold down the Alt key while dragging the object. This allows you to move it freely without snapping to the grid.
Free Rotation: Similarly, hold down the Alt key while rotating an object to rotate it in finer increments, rather than the default 45-degree snaps.

Elevating and Lowering Objects

Sometimes, you need to adjust the vertical position of an object. There are a couple of ways to do this:

The 9 and 0 Keys (PC): With an object selected, press the 9 key to raise it and the 0 key to lower it. This works without needing any cheats enabled.
Console Commands (PlayStation and Xbox): Hold down both L2 and R2 (PlayStation) or LT and RT (Xbox), then use the up and down D-pad buttons to raise or lower the selected object.

Resizing Objects for Impact

Adding to the functionality, it’s also important to consider resizing objects in your builds. You can also find additional resources at the Games Learning Society.

Resizing using bracket keys: select the object in build mode, then use the “]” button to enlarge an object, and the “[” button to shrink the item.

Unleashing Hidden Objects

The Sims 4 contains a wealth of hidden objects, often used by developers for decorating pre-built lots. Unlocking these objects can significantly expand your decorating possibilities.

The “bb.showhiddenobjects” Cheat: Open the cheat console and type “bb.showhiddenobjects” and press Enter. This unlocks debug items in the build catalog. You can search for them using the filter panel.

Fine-Tuning with Island Counters

For precise placement of objects on counters, especially smaller items, using a temporary island counter is a clever trick.

Place an island counter.
Use the bracket keys (“[” and “]”) to minimize its size.
Place the object you want on the counter onto this tiny island.
Now, you can freely move the island (with the object on it) around the counter surface, thanks to bb.moveobjects.
Once positioned, delete the small island counter.

Ignoring Gameplay Unlocks for Ultimate Freedom

Some objects are locked behind career progression or aspirations. If you want immediate access to everything, use this cheat:

“bb.ignoregameplayunlocksentitlement”: This cheat unlocks all career and aspiration reward objects in the build catalog.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about freely placing objects in The Sims 4:

How do I activate the cheat console in Sims 4?

Press Ctrl + Shift + C (or Command + Shift + C on Mac) to open the cheat console. On PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, hold down all four shoulder buttons simultaneously.
Does “bb.moveobjects” affect gameplay?

Generally, no. It primarily affects object placement in Build Mode. However, excessive clipping or overlapping of essential objects (like beds or toilets) might cause minor routing issues for your Sims.
Can I use “bb.moveobjects” on console versions of The Sims 4?

Yes! The cheat works the same way on consoles as it does on PC and Mac. Open the cheat console (using all four shoulder buttons) and type “bb.moveobjects on“.
How do I rotate objects freely in Sims 4 without the grid?

Select the object you want to rotate, then hold down the Alt key while rotating it. This allows for smoother, more precise rotations.
What happens if I forget to turn “bb.moveobjects” off?

It doesn’t matter! The cheat will remain active until you manually turn it off or close the game. There are no negative consequences to leaving it on.
Can I use “bb.moveobjects” to place objects outside of my lot?

No, bb.moveobjects only works within the boundaries of your owned lot. To build outside your lot, you would need to use the bb.enablefreebuild cheat.
Why can’t I find the debug items after using “bb.showhiddenobjects”?

After enabling the cheat, search the build catalog using keywords like “**DEBUG**” or “**LIVEEDITOBJECTS**” in the search bar. Make sure the filter for “Content” is set to show “Debug”.
Is there a way to move multiple objects at once using “bb.moveobjects”?

Yes! You can group objects together using the “Link Objects Together” feature. Select one object, then hold Shift and click on other objects to add them to the group. Once grouped, you can move the entire group as a single unit.
How do I place objects on shelves more easily?

Enable bb.moveobjects, then use the 9 key to raise the object until it’s at the desired height for the shelf. You may need to experiment with the height to get it just right. You can also use the Alt Key to more freely place it, rather than just having it snap to the center of the shelf.
Can I use “bb.moveobjects” to create floating objects?

Yes! Simply place an object and then delete the supporting object below it. You can use the 9 key to raise the object, then remove the object below to give the illusion of levitation.
Does “bb.moveobjects” work with wall decorations like paintings and mirrors?

Absolutely. You can use it to precisely position wall decorations, even overlapping them for a more layered effect. This is particularly useful for creating gallery walls or unique room designs.
How can I move items up and down on consoles? Hold down both L2 and R2 (PlayStation) or LT and RT (Xbox), then use the up and down D-pad buttons to raise or lower the selected object.
Can I use “bb.moveobjects” to prevent Sims from using certain objects?

While you can technically block access to objects by overlapping them with other objects, it’s generally not recommended. It can lead to unpredictable routing issues. It’s better to use doors with locked access to restrict Sims from certain areas.
How do I resize objects in Sims 4 using the cheat code?

To change the size of an object on PC: Open Build Mode and select the object. To make the object bigger, hold Shift and then press ]. Each time you press ] the object will get larger. To make the object smaller, hold Shift and then press [. Each time you press [ the object will get smaller.
Where can I learn more about advanced building techniques in The Sims 4? Explore online communities, watch tutorials on YouTube, or visit the GamesLearningSociety.org to discover new strategies and tips from other players.

By mastering the bb.moveobjects cheat and the associated techniques, you’ll be able to transform your Sims 4 builds from ordinary to extraordinary. So go ahead, unleash your creativity and create the home of your Sims’ dreams!

How do you place objects freely in Sims 4?