Share your build mode cheats or tricks

@Karababy52 I love all of these ideas, and yes, this was exactly what I was looking for! The photography idea is so cool, I need to go check try that. Amazing that you took them all in game!

Also a cool thing I learned a bit ago is that you can download cool paintings/art in the gallery that is not CC. I have never made any myself so I must admit I'm not entirely sure how it actually works, but it's really nice to get some fresh wall art that way too. Here's an example of some nice paintings I downloaded for one of my homes

My absolute favourite build/buy trick is the F5 key. Press it once and you've toggles quarter tile placement on. It's very useful if you prefer not to build with MOO but still want to put items closer together. The first thing I do when entering build mode is press F5.
Another one I haven't seen mentioned yet is ctrl+f for the ability to place smaller parts of floor tiles - you can make diagonal floor patterns with it. I'd share pictures but I'm on mobile, so I'll add those later.
There's probably more ideas I can share, but I'd have to check my PC for pictures first.

@permanentrose Thanks! I love photography in real life, so it's especially fun for me when I have a photog Sim and can send them out to try to get some unique art for their walls. The Moschino SP is especially good for this using the tripod and the best camera. I've never tried uploading any rooms with photographs & paintings from reference or downloaded any myself, but I knew about that non-CC custom paintings option from rosemow's One room, One Week, One Theme build challenge. She has rooms with different themes of her creations for others to download.

Another trick using photography I learned a long time ago is using free camera mode and the cinematic camera positions to save views your Sim wouldn't normally be able to photograph. They can get some amazing photographs that way. I'd explain how, but that's a different topic. :)

@MDianaSims Yes! Using the F5 key and ctrl+f is a great tip! I use both of those all the time! You can get some great designs using ctrl+f and F5 is a life saver for getting objects closer together in exact positions. Sometimes I'll use alt for that, but F5 is especially better for symmetrical placings such as bedside tables and end tables, etc. Since I've already posted so many screenshots and you're the one that shared the tip, I'll wait to see your screenshots instead of posting more of mine. :)

Here's a picture where I used diagonal flooring, on a roof, but well, the result is mostly the same.


While I was looking for the above images, I also ran into a few skylights - made with a glass roof piece in between opaque roof pieces. I often use this technique to add more natural light to rooms.

I even wrote a tutorial on how to make them, back when we first got the glass roofs.

I do feel I was more creative with build mode back when it was more limited.
I once built this neat little greenhouse before we had adjustable foundations and glass roofs. It was a bit annoying to play in, but at least it was a greenhouse.

"MDianaSims;c-17749285" wrote:
Here's a picture where I used diagonal flooring, on a roof, but well, the result is mostly the same.

Spoiler

https://64.media.tumblr.com/37764c090f7071c51bf63967e0bfad3e/54c5900bb9dc32d6-f9/s1280x1920/9db45cb065ee8e457ccdf90719cfced338380276.jpg
And I found one that I made in a pool.
https://64.media.tumblr.com/eb0ab73d061f8f5061f73faa76a815cc/tumblr_pdp67vR57V1v8k7elo1_1280.png

While I was looking for the above images, I also ran into a few skylights - made with a glass roof piece in between opaque roof pieces. I often use this technique to add more natural light to rooms.

Spoiler

https://64.media.tumblr.com/0b5c6121c77d4e11d26be6404b99be68/c9d53a1dec6380af-4f/s1280x1920/c65e3494cdfff01c32e02dc9e32d632c1b3ea07f.jpg
https://64.media.tumblr.com/9ff839c96d966d39e3c0652708c59433/40dec08c05e93b2f-24/s1280x1920/2bd57b6892121cbab65cf15f5328717457c634a4.jpg

I even wrote a tutorial on how to make them, back when we first got the glass roofs.

I do feel I was more creative with build mode back when it was more limited.
I once built this neat little greenhouse before we had adjustable foundations and glass roofs. It was a bit annoying to play in, but at least it was a greenhouse.

Spoiler

https://64.media.tumblr.com/5914bf8aeb99b68393673588f1bedfdb/tumblr_p6jzdw3JHb1v8k7elo4_1280.jpg
https://64.media.tumblr.com/b790a16faafb8d83bba23eb6e305e8a4/tumblr_p6kalc9yEm1v8k7elo1_1280.jpg

I love the glass roof/skylight idea, I will be using your tutorial to do that for one of my homes now! I feel like I used to be more creative when build mode was more limited too (not complaining though, some of the new stuff they've added are really cool!). I made this sunken fire pit using terrain tools, and now you could easily do that with platforms in like 2 seconds.

"permanentrose;c-17749047" wrote:

Yes, you can move objects off grid if you hold down the alt/ option key! It’s a game charger (literally lol)

Interesting... (thoughtful smiley)

"ShadyLady_DQ;c-17749057" wrote:
@Admiral8Q you actually dont have to have MOO on to use the Alt key to free place items, I use it around stuff where MOO would limit a sims ability to access the object but want to move it around more. It also works to freely rotate items on tables and other surfaces to get a more natural look. Of course it works with MOO as well. :)

True. I've tested it already lining up an archway perfectly. I did have to have MOO on though. However, it's good to know there is a simple easy way to put things more precise. :)

"permanentrose;c-17749157" wrote:

Also a cool thing I learned a bit ago is that you can download cool paintings/art in the gallery that is not CC. I have never made any myself so I must admit I'm not entirely sure how it actually works, but it's really nice to get some fresh wall art that way too. Here's an example of some nice paintings I downloaded for one of my homes

Spoiler

https://i.imgur.com/KaaLBjJ.png

I think that is technically CC since I tried downloading some. You need to allow it through a third party like twitter or tumbler or something.
If not, just right through the gallery, I'd be interested in how to d/l it. Otherwise it just shows up as a blank wall.

"Admiral8Q;c-17749787" wrote:


I think that is technically CC since I tried downloading some. You need to allow it through a third party like twitter or tumbler or something.
If not, just right through the gallery, I'd be interested in how to d/l it. Otherwise it just shows up as a blank wall.

@Admiral8Q I've downloaded them straight from the gallery and they show up in my game just fine (again, I don't know exactly how it works, but that's my experience, I haven't done anything special when placing a room of custom paintings like that)

"permanentrose;c-17749802" wrote:

"Admiral8Q;c-17749787" wrote:


I think that is technically CC since I tried downloading some. You need to allow it through a third party like twitter or tumbler or something.
If not, just right through the gallery, I'd be interested in how to d/l it. Otherwise it just shows up as a blank wall.

@Admiral8Q I've downloaded them straight from the gallery and they show up in my game just fine (again, I don't know exactly how it works, but that's my experience, I haven't done anything special when placing a room of custom paintings like that)

Same, it’s how I got the art in my pic at the top of the thread. Try searching #noccart and the creator SimsationalToo and Roseymow on the gallery has tons of art. Also #art and #photos work too.

Edited to add I’m a strictly vanilla player so no cc for me but if it’s on the gallery it’s ok

@permanentrose @ShadyLady_DQ

roger, roger, I'll try that out see if it works.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEsYXDftfTc