How to Install Sims 4 CC
Sims 4 CC, or custom content, is one of the easiest ways to make your game feel more personal. It can add new hairstyles, clothes, makeup, skin details, accessories, furniture, decor, rooms, and many other items that are not included in the base game.
Installing CC is usually simple, but new players can still get confused by file types, folders, archives, and missing meshes. This guide explains the basic process in a clear way, so you can add custom content without guessing where everything should go.

What Is Sims 4 CC?
CC means custom content. It is content made by creators and players for The Sims 4. Unlike gameplay mods, CC usually changes the look of your Sims, houses, rooms, or objects rather than adding deep new systems.
Popular types of Sims 4 CC include hair, clothing, shoes, makeup, eyes, eyebrows, skin details, furniture, decor, wallpaper, floors, rooms, and lots.
Most CC files use the .package format. These files are placed inside the Mods folder and then loaded by the game when custom content is enabled.
Where to Put Sims 4 CC Files
The main folder for custom content is located here: Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods.
This is where most .package files should go. If you do not see the Mods folder, open The Sims 4 once, close the game, and check the folder again. The game usually creates it automatically.
You can place CC directly inside the Mods folder, but it is better to keep things organized. For example, you can create separate folders for hair, clothes, makeup, furniture, and build items.
Step 1 - Download the CC
First, download the custom content you want to use. Always make sure it is made for The Sims 4, not for The Sims 3 or another game. Files from older Sims games will not work correctly in The Sims 4.
Before downloading, check the description. Some creators mention important details, such as whether the item is base game compatible, whether it needs a specific expansion pack, or whether a mesh is required.
Step 2 - Extract the Archive
Many CC downloads come inside a .zip, .rar, or .7z archive. The game usually cannot read custom content while it is still packed inside an archive, so you need to extract it first.
After extracting the archive, look for .package files. These are the files you normally need to move into your Mods folder.
If the archive contains images, previews, notes, or readme files, you do not have to place all of them in the Mods folder. The important files are usually the .package files.
Step 3 - Move the Files to the Mods Folder
Move the extracted .package files into Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods.
You can organize the folder like this: Mods/Hair CC, Mods/Clothing CC, Mods/Makeup, Mods/Furniture, Mods/Decor, or Mods/Lots.
This is optional, but it helps a lot when you want to remove broken CC later. A clean Mods folder is easier to manage, especially if you download a lot of custom content.
Step 4 - Enable Custom Content in Game Settings
Open The Sims 4 and go to the game settings. Then open the Other tab and turn on Custom Content and Mods.
For normal CC, this setting is usually enough. The Script Mods Allowed option is mainly needed for script mods, not simple hair, clothes, furniture, or makeup files.
After enabling custom content, restart the game. The game often needs a restart before new settings and new files load correctly.
Step 5 - Check the CC in the Game
After restarting, check where the item should appear. Hair, clothes, makeup, accessories, and skin details appear in Create a Sim. Furniture, decor, wallpaper, floors, and objects appear in Build/Buy mode.
If you cannot find the item, remove filters in the catalog and check different categories. Some CC does not have a custom thumbnail, so it may look similar to regular game content at first.
What Is a Missing Mesh?
A missing mesh is one of the most common reasons why CC does not work correctly. Some custom content is only a recolor or edit of another creator's item. In that case, you also need the original mesh.
If the mesh is missing, the item may not appear, may look strange, or may show broken textures. The creator usually mentions this on the download page, so it is always worth reading the notes before installing.
What If Sims 4 CC Does Not Show Up?
If your custom content does not appear in the game, check these things first:
- Make sure the file is extracted from the archive.
- Make sure the file is a .package file.
- Make sure it is inside the Mods folder.
- Make sure custom content is enabled in the game settings.
- Restart the game after changing settings.
- Check if the CC needs a missing mesh.
- Check if the item requires a pack you do not own.
Most CC problems come from one of these simple mistakes. If the item still does not work, try removing it and testing the game again.
Should You Delete localthumbcache.package?
Yes, it can help after adding, removing, or updating custom content. The localthumbcache.package file stores cached data, and sometimes the game keeps old information from removed or broken files.
You can find it here: Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/localthumbcache.package.
Delete the file while the game is closed. The Sims 4 will create a new one automatically the next time you play.
How to Keep Your CC Organized
If you only install a few items, organization may not feel important. But after a while, custom content can build up quickly. A messy Mods folder makes it harder to find broken files and update old content.
Use clear folder names and avoid downloading hundreds of files at once. It is better to add a small group of files, test the game, and then continue. This makes troubleshooting much easier.
Final Notes
Sims 4 CC is a great way to refresh the game and create a style that feels more personal. Whether you want new hair, better outfits, realistic skin details, or modern furniture, the installation process is mostly the same.
Download carefully, extract the files, place .package files in the Mods folder, enable custom content, and restart the game. Once you understand these steps, installing Sims 4 CC becomes quick and simple.