Where is The Sims 4 Folder Located? A Comprehensive Guide

The Sims 4, like many PC games, separates its core game files from user data. This means there are actually two crucial folders associated with the game. The location of these folders is essential for accessing save files, mods, custom content, and more. Understanding where these folders are is paramount for managing and customizing your game experience.

The user data folder for The Sims 4 is typically found within your Documents folder, in a subfolder called Electronic Arts. Inside the Electronic Arts folder, you’ll find the “The Sims 4” folder. This is the main hub for your personal game data, including:

• Save files: Your game progress and households are stored here.
• Mods: If you use custom content, it’s kept in a dedicated subfolder here.
• Custom Content (CC): This refers to any items not included in the base game created by the community.
• Tray folder: This folder stores households, lots, and rooms saved to your game library.
• Graphics settings: Your chosen display settings are recorded here.
• Cache files: Temporary files the game uses to run smoother.

The installation folder, on the other hand, contains the game’s executable files and other core game data. By default, this is located in your Program Files or Program Files (x86) directory, usually on your C drive. This folder will be different depending on where you installed the game, and can be found by navigating the appropriate folder path which might vary slightly depending on the location you chose at the install. Typically, it follows a structure similar to: C:Program Files (x86)Origin GamesThe Sims 4 or C:Program FilesEA GamesThe Sims 4. or C:Program FilesElectronic ArtsThe Sims 4 (for the EA App version). This folder is generally not used for customization or file management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about The Sims 4 Folders

To further clarify the nuances of The Sims 4 folder system, here are 15 of the most frequently asked questions:

1. Where are my Sims 4 save files located?

Your Sims 4 save files are found within the main user data folder located in DocumentsElectronic ArtsThe Sims 4saves. The save folder contains all the save data, including the information for the worlds and families you have created. If you are looking to back up your saves, the whole folder can be backed up and restored later.

2. Where do I find the Sims 4 mods folder?

The Mods folder is located within your user data folder at DocumentsElectronic ArtsThe Sims 4Mods. If you don’t see the Mods folder, you might need to create one yourself. All your custom content and modifications should be placed into this folder or into subfolders inside this folder.

3. What exactly is stored inside “The Sims 4” user data folder?

This folder holds all your personalized game information. This includes: your save files, your mod files, custom content, your in-game graphic settings, the contents of your game library (stored in the Tray folder), and cache files. This data is distinct from the core game files, allowing you to keep your saves and customization even if the game needs to be reinstalled.

4. Why can’t I find my Sims 4 mods folder?

If you can’t find the Mods folder, try launching the game, going to the main menu, and selecting “Load Game.” Hover over the folder icon under the save name to see the full file path to that save. The “Mods” folder should be located within that same “The Sims 4” folder. It’s also possible you haven’t created a Mods folder yet, and may need to do so.

5. Where is The Sims 4 executable file (EXE)?

The executable file, responsible for launching the game, can be found in the game’s installation folder, typically at C:Program Files (x86)Origin GamesThe Sims 4GameBin (or similar). Look for a file called ts4.exe or just ts4. This is what you need if you want to create a shortcut to the game on your desktop.

6. Where do I find my The Sims 4 household and lot files?

All your saved lots, sims and rooms are stored in the Tray folder, inside the main Sims 4 user data folder: DocumentsElectronic ArtsThe Sims 4Tray. This folder is where the contents of your game library are saved, so deleting any of this will remove them from your game library.

7. Where is the Sims 4 folder on a Mac?

On a Mac, the user data folder is still found in Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4. The location of the game itself might be in the Applications folder.

8. Why can’t I find the Electronic Arts folder in my Documents?

If you cannot locate the Electronic Arts folder within your Documents, it might be because your user files were inadvertently moved to a different drive. Or it is possible that the Sims 4 folder hasn’t been created yet. If you still can’t find it, you might try launching the game once, and then looking in your Documents folder again as the game might need to create the folder on first launch. If you’ve recently deleted the EA folder, check your recycle bin. If it is not there you can try repairing the Sims 4 game to see if that recreates the folder in documents.

9. Why is my Sims 4 save file not showing up in the game?

Ensure that the file path to your save file is exactly the same as the path the game is referencing. To check, right-click on a save file and select “Properties.” Confirm the “Location” matches your DocumentsElectronic ArtsThe Sims 4saves folder. If it’s not, you’ve likely moved it to the wrong folder.

10. What is the Tray folder for?

The Tray folder, found at DocumentsElectronic ArtsThe Sims 4Tray, stores all the lots, households, and rooms that are saved to your in-game library. Deleting contents from this folder will remove them from your library.

11. Do my Sims 4 files save across different computers?

Unfortunately, The Sims 4 does not support cloud saving. If you play on multiple computers, your saves, mods, and custom content will not transfer automatically. The easiest way to transfer this information is to back up your “The Sims 4” user folder, including your “saves” and “mods” folder to an external hard drive or use cloud storage and copy it onto the other computer.

12. How do I transfer my save data from one computer to another?

To move your save files to another computer, you’ll need to manually copy the “The Sims 4” folder from your Documents folder onto an external drive or cloud storage and then paste it into the Documents folder on the other computer. You should probably copy all the contents of this folder if you want all your custom content and saves moved over.

13. Can I play Sims 4 without the EA app?

You will need the EA app (formerly Origin) to install and register The Sims 4. While you do not need to be online to play once it is installed, the EA app must be installed to play.

14. How do I enable cheats in The Sims 4?

To enable cheats, press “Ctrl + Shift + C” on your keyboard while in the game. This will open a console where you can type in cheat codes. Remember to press Enter after typing your desired code.

15. How do I edit a Sim using a cheat?

To edit a Sim in Create-a-Sim, enable cheats by pressing “Ctrl + Shift + C” and type cas.fulleditmode, and press Enter. Then, shift-click on the Sim you want to edit and select “Edit in CAS”.

Conclusion

Understanding the location of The Sims 4 folders is crucial for managing your game, installing custom content, backing up your progress, and more. Knowing that there are two distinct folders – the user data folder and the installation folder, will aid you in locating all your crucial information for the game. By understanding the locations of these files, you will be able to take full advantage of the Sims 4 game.