# Sims 3 Custom Content: Where to Get It and How to Install It

Source: https://sims3mods.com/custom-content

Last updated: 2026-11-11

Get Sims 3 custom content from the creator's own page, Mod The Sims, Around the Sims 3, The Sims Resource or EA's own Sims 3 Store. Put `.package` files in `Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Mods\Packages`, double-click `.sims3pack` files to install them through the launcher, and put downloaded Sims (`.sim`) in `SavedSims`. Delete the cache files, then test in a new game.

## Which file goes where

Unzip every download first. The game can't read `.zip`, `.rar` or `.7z` archives. Then look at the file extension:

| File | What it is | Where it goes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `.package` | Hair, clothes, objects, patterns, default replacements, mods | `Mods\Packages` (needs the [Mods folder setup](/mods-folder) once) |
| `.sims3pack` | Content packed for the launcher, including lots, houses and custom worlds | Double-click it; the launcher installs it |
| `.sim` | A downloaded Sim | `Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\SavedSims` |

Big worlds are sometimes split into several numbered archive parts. Download every part and join them with your archive program before you extract the `.sims3pack`. Any other file type in a download is usually a preview image or readme, not content.

## Where to get Sims 3 CC safely

| Source | What you find there | Cost |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **The Sims 3 Store** (EA, at TheSims3.com) | EA's own objects, outfits and worlds. EA Help says some worlds are bought in the EA app, which emails a code to redeem on TheSims3.com; others are sold only there | Paid |
| **Mod The Sims** | The biggest archive of Sims 3 CC, mods and tools. Each item lists the patch and packs it needs | Free |
| **Around the Sims 3** by Sandy | Everyday objects, clutter, patterns and items for community lots. Still adding downloads in November 2026; new sets go to Patreon early, then become free | Free |
| **The Sims Resource** | A large catalog from many artists | Free with ads and a wait; the paid VIP plan removes both |

Download from the page where the creator posted the item. Sites that bundle other people's CC into one pack, or charge for items that are free at the source, are re-uploads: they are often outdated and can carry broken files. If a creator's page is gone, look for their item on Mod The Sims rather than a mirror.

## Custom content and game patches

Mod The Sims' help pages split Sims 3 CC into three risk levels when EA patches the game or you add a pack:

- **Script mods** almost always need a build for your exact patch.
- **Create a Sim items** can break when a patch changes CAS. Patch 1.17, which came with Late Night, added new sliders, and that change affected custom skins.
- **Build and Buy objects** are usually safe across patches.

Your patch depends on how you play. EA Help says disc installs stop at version 1.67, while the EA app version updates to the latest patch. Check the patch listed on each download page against yours. On Mod The Sims, your downloads list can be sorted by the "Got Update" column to find items that changed since you downloaded them.

## Custom content not showing up?

- **Back up** the whole `Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3` folder before you test, since loading saves without their CC can damage them.
- **Check the install.** `.package` files must be in `Mods\Packages`, not loose in `Mods`, and `Resource.cfg` must sit in `Mods`.
- **Delete the caches** (`CASPartCache.package`, `compositorCache.package`, `scriptCache.package`, `simCompositorCache.package`).
- **Load a new game.** If the item shows there but not in your save, the problem is in the save, not the file.
- **For .sims3pack items**, open the launcher's Installed Content tab. If the item isn't listed, install it again. If it is listed but still missing in game, Mod The Sims' last-resort fix is a clean reinstall of that item.
- **Just patched or added a pack?** Re-download anything whose page lists an update for your new version.

For a full walk-through of each step, see [how to install mods on Sims 3](/how-to-install).

## FAQ

### Is Sims 3 custom content free?

Almost all of it. Mod The Sims and Around the Sims 3 are free, and The Sims Resource is free with ads. Only EA's Sims 3 Store content costs money.

### Should I use .package or .sims3pack?

If a creator offers both, `.package` is easier to manage: you can sort it into folders and delete it directly. `.sims3pack` files have to be removed through the launcher.

### Does Sims 3 CC work on Mac?

Yes. The folders are the same, under `Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 3`.