How to Raise Objects in The Sims 4: A Complete Guide – If you’re a fan of The Sims 4 and love designing creative, customized builds, you may have encountered the need to raise objects to achieve a unique look in your space. Whether you’re placing a statue above a fireplace, arranging items on shelves, or simply adding decorative elements to make your Sims’ home feel more personalized, raising objects opens up a new world of design possibilities. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about how to raise objects in The Sims 4, from the essential steps to advanced tips for mastering object placement.
Why Raise Objects in The Sims 4?
Raising objects in The Sims 4 is a fantastic tool for simmers who want to customize their builds beyond the game’s default options. Here are a few reasons why raising objects can enhance your building experience:
- Custom Shelving and Display: Create unique arrangements by placing objects on shelves, tables, or other surfaces.
- Enhanced Decor: Add extra flair to rooms by raising decorative items like plants, statues, and wall art.
- Unique Design Elements: For example, placing objects in mid-air or at different heights can create a floating effect or fill empty space in creative ways.
- Better Utilization of Space: Raising objects can make a room feel more layered and dimensional, especially when placing items in multi-story spaces.
Basic Steps to Raise Objects in The Sims 4
Raising objects in The Sims 4 is simple once you know the correct keys and shortcuts. Here’s how to get started:
1. Enter Build Mode
First, make sure you’re in Build Mode, where you’ll have access to all the objects and options for adjusting their placement. You can enter Build Mode by selecting the hammer and wrench icon at the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Select the Object You Want to Raise
Click on the object you’d like to elevate. This could be anything from furniture and decor to plants or lights. Once selected, you’ll see a small hand icon, indicating you can move the item.
3. Use the Alt Key for Free Placement
If you want the freedom to place your object precisely where you want it, hold down the Alt key. This allows you to move objects without snapping to the grid, giving you more control over their positioning.
4. Press the 9 Key to Raise the Object
The most important step: press the 9 key on your keyboard. Each time you press it, the object will raise slightly. Keep pressing it until the object reaches your desired height.
If you raise the object too high, press the 0 key to lower it. This key works as the counterpart to 9, letting you adjust the height up and down as needed.
5. Place the Object
Once the object is at the right height, place it by clicking on the desired spot in your build. If you want it to hover over a specific surface, make sure the area beneath it is clear to avoid any interference.
Tips and Tricks for Raising Objects in The Sims 4
Raising objects in The Sims 4 can take a bit of practice. Here are some tips to help you get more precise with object placement and to avoid common issues:
1. Use bb.moveobjects for More Freedom
To bypass restrictions and have total freedom to place objects wherever you want, open the cheat console by pressing Ctrl + Shift + C, then type in bb.moveobjects and hit Enter. This cheat allows you to position objects in ways the game usually wouldn’t allow, including placing them closer together or overlapping them.
2. Layering and Overlapping Objects
Once the MoveObjects cheat is activated, you can layer objects to create more complex arrangements. For example, you could raise smaller objects to place on top of larger items like tables or bookshelves, or layer multiple items to create a fuller display.
3. Aligning Objects Precisely with Alt
Holding down the Alt key while placing raised objects will help with fine-tuning their position. This is particularly useful when you’re working with small decorations or items that need to fit into tight spaces.
4. Watch Out for Clipping Issues
Some objects might clip through walls or other surfaces when raised too high. Experiment with positioning to minimize clipping, or consider using larger items to block the view of any awkward overlaps.
5. Use Raised Objects to Create Optical Illusions
You can create floating or levitating objects by raising them to a certain height without any surface below. For example, raising a chair or lamp and positioning it carefully can make it look like it’s hovering in mid-air.
6. Experiment with Different Object Types
Different types of objects react in unique ways when raised. Lights, for example, can provide atmospheric lighting effects at unusual heights, and plants can add greenery in spots where they wouldn’t usually be placed. Experimenting with a variety of objects can add depth to your designs.
Practical Ideas for Using Raised Objects in Builds
Raising objects isn’t just a neat trick – it can bring out the creativity in your Sims’ homes. Here are some ideas to consider when raising objects in The Sims 4:
1. Create Custom Shelves and Storage
Place objects like books, plants, or sculptures on raised shelves. Since you control the height, you can stack items creatively on floating shelves or uneven surfaces.
2. Build a Unique Gallery Wall
Raise various wall art pieces at different heights to create a gallery wall effect. This can add an artistic touch to a living room, hallway, or bedroom.
3. Floating Lights for Atmosphere
Hanging or floating lights add ambience to spaces like gardens, patios, or modern homes. Raise light sources to different heights, creating a layered lighting effect for a more dynamic setting.
4. Invisible Furniture Effect
If you raise seating or decor items to a specific height without visible support, you can create the illusion of invisible furniture. This effect works well for modern or sci-fi-themed builds.
5. Natural Wall Decorations
If you want a natural look, raise plants or rocks to different heights along walls. This technique works well in outdoor areas or for players creating fantasy or eco-themed builds.
Common Issues and How to Solve Them
While raising objects can be fun, you might encounter a few common issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:
1. Objects Resetting to the Ground
Sometimes, raised objects might reset to the ground level. Make sure MoveObjects is enabled before placing raised items, and avoid moving them too frequently to prevent them from snapping back.
2. Clipping Through Walls and Furniture
If objects are clipping, try adjusting their position slightly using the Alt key. Small adjustments can often eliminate clipping without disrupting the placement.
3. Objects Blocking Pathways
Raised objects might inadvertently block pathways or interfere with Sims’ movement. Test out the space by having your Sims move through it to ensure that objects don’t create obstructions.
Conclusion
Raising objects in The Sims 4 opens up a world of creative possibilities for players looking to go beyond standard builds. By using these techniques and practicing with different types of objects, you can customize your spaces in ways that make each home truly unique. From crafting decorative shelves to creating floating furniture, mastering object height adjustments allows for greater flexibility and creativity in your Sims’ world.
So next time you’re in Build Mode, give these tips a try and watch your designs transform! Whether you’re aiming for a cozy, cluttered look or a sleek, futuristic feel, raising objects is an invaluable tool in every Sims builder’s toolkit.