View source for MTS2:Creator Guidelines/Sims 4 Lots and Houses

=Sims 4 Lot Upload Guidelines=

When uploading a lot for The Sims 4 to Mod The Sims, we have some basic requirements to ensure that your upload is good, shown well, and has the correct info and files needed for people to use it in their games. This allows both moderators to check your uploads for quality, and for downloaders to see if your item is something they want to add to their games.



==Quality==

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* '''Realism:''' Lots based on an actual building type or specific building should look like what it supposed to resemble (for example a castle should not just be a huge building with stone walls, but should look like an actual castle).  Lots not intended to be realistic can be more fanciful, but should still have some logic to them, and be aesthetically pleasing.
**Avoid using some of the EA stone walls or very busy styles in large areas, as they look very "repeaty" and can create an overwhelming effect.
* '''Architecture:''' The way the lot is built should be unique, interesting, and more than just a basic box with four walls and a roof.
* '''Playability:''' The layout of the lot should make sense and allow sims to get around easily, with access to all the items they would want to interact with.
* '''Roofing:''' The roof pieces should connect each other nicely, and not leave gaps or connect at odd angles.  The roof should fit the structure, look nice, and not just be an auto-roof (or resemble one).
* '''Furnishing/decoration:''' While we strongly encourage you to give lots at least basic furnishings (bed, toilet, shower, sink, fridge, lighting, etc.), it is not absolutely required to upload to MTS.  Your lot can be an empty "shell" but should have a fully built structure, wall and floor coverings, and landscaping. You may include both a furnished and an unfurnished version of your lot separately in your upload.
**Try to use harmonious colours that work with the lot's style.  Look at real-life decorating sites or magazines for inspiration
* '''Landscaping:''' Your lot should have nice landscaping that fits the overall style, with most styles of lots having at least some well-placed plants and terrain paint, while fancier lots should have more.
* '''Other content:''' If you have made content for your lot, you must also provide additional pictures and/or information for your custom content (like polygon counts if you've made a mesh).  Make sure you see check the appropriate category from the [[MTS2:Creator_Guidelines|Creator Guidelines]] to see what we require.  Tip: Consider uploading content you have made separately first, to the appropriate section (buy mode, walls and floors, etc.) so people looking for that type of content can more easily find it, and so you can show it off better with its own separate pics and info.  Then you can just link it as credit to yourself when uploading your lot.  

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! style="text-align:left" | Quality-Related Tips
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* If you're not sure whether your lot is ready for uploading, use the [http://www.modthesims.info/forumdisplay.php?f=698 Creator Feedback Forum] for guidance.
* You can always explore our [http://simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Tutorials:TS4_Building_Tutorials Tutorials section] for ideas and learning techniques for creating your lot.
* If you are struggling with or have questions about technical aspects of building, you can post in the [http://www.modthesims.info/forumdisplay.php?f=703 Building forum].

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==Files==

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! style="text-align:left" | Packaging your lot
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[[Image:Save2Library.jpg|right]]
:*To share your lot click on the file folder with arrow icon
:*Lots are then saved to: ''My Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\Tray
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[[Image:LotFiles.jpg|right]]
:*Open My Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\Tray
:*Sort by Date Modified
:*Choose all files with same date/time stamp
:*Zip/RAR these files and share

:*[[http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=532723 See Tutorial with pictures]] 



{{Guidelines-InfoFiles-ZipRar7z}}

==Information==

{{Template:Guidelines-InfoFiles-TitleDescription}}

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! style="text-align:left" | Required information
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* '''Lot size:''' The lot's size, for example 20x30
* '''Lot price:''' The price to purchase the lot. Only the furnished price is required.
* '''Included custom content:''' List custom content that has been included within the lot file or the archive, with links to the download page. Items that should be listed as included are:
* '''Required, but not included custom content:''' List custom content you have used on the lot, but not included within the lot file or the archive, with links to the download page.  This is a "shopping list" for your downloaders and will include:


Every item used on your lot - included or not - must have a link and credit to the creator, and if the item is not included, your link must go directly to the place where the item can be downloaded (not just the main site or the creator's profile).  

If you made your lot without CC, you of course don't need to list any. A note: "No CC" or "Made without custom content" is nice to have, but not mandatory.


*'''To find Lot Price click Lot Info Icon (house with ''i'') '''
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:[[Image:LotPrice.jpg]]





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! style="text-align:left" | Game version and required EPs/SPs
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In TS3 lots can be installed regardless of the expansions (EPs) or stuff packs (SPs) it was built with, as long as the downloader has the same patch version or greater. EP/SP specific content will just leave empty spaces.  If you've used a considerable amount of content from an EP/SP, or the items used are essential to the look of the lot, you must list it as being required. 

Please list the base game version that the lot was built with.  This will look something like '''1.625''' - 1-dot-something.  For information, see: [http://www.modthesims.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:TS3_Patching_Find_Gameversion Finding Game Version]

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==Screenshots==

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! style="text-align:left" | You'll need to include at least:
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* '''Front view:''' A picture of the front of your lot with all levels showing, from a low enough angle that it shows the structure well.
* '''Floorplans:''' An overhead picture of each floor.

If your lot is a '''makeover of a pre-built Maxis lot''', we also need comparison pictures from the original unmodified version:
* '''Front view:''' A picture of the front of your lot with all levels showing, from a low enough angle that it shows the structure well.
* '''Floorplans:''' An overhead picture of each floor.

{{Guidelines-ScreenshotsBigClearEtc}}

Please remember, for your required pictures: 

* '''As packaged:''' Your pictures should show your lot as you have packaged it, so that what downloaders see is what they'll actually get, or need to download, for the lot to look the same in their game.
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{| class="nicetable" style="width:100%"
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! style="text-align:left" | Nice to have, but not mandatory:
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* '''Unobstructed views:'''  If your lot has dense foliage blocking the view of the house.
* '''Comparison pictures:''' If your lot is based on a real building.
* '''Back picture:''' Showing the lot from the rear.
* '''Other pictures:''' Showing the rooms, landscaping, etc. from a sim's eye view, to give an idea of the feel of the lot.
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{{Guidelines-Screenshots-Tips}}
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==Other==

{{Guidelines-NotAllowed}}

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! style="text-align:left" | Tips:
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* If your upload is rejected or marked as changes required and you're not sure why, ask in [http://www.modthesims.info/forumdisplay.php?f=492 Creator Issues].

* If you're not sure whether your lots are ready for uploading, use the [http://www.modthesims.info/forumdisplay.php?f=473 Creator Feedback Forum] to get feedback on it.
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[[Category:MTS2 Creator Guidelines]]
[[Category:Sims 3]]