Tool

Tools are programs which are used outside The Sims (series) games. They are often used to manipulate or manage in-game custom content and neighborhoods, but some are useful (or essential) when creating custom content.

There are many user-created tools available made by the Sims community, but EA has also launched a few official tools.

Official tools
The Sims 2 and The Sims 3 both feature game launchers.

The Sims

 * The Sims Eraser


 * This tool, which was included on the CDs for later expansion packs, is made to remove Windows registry entries that were left behind after uninstalling The Sims. In some cases, these leftover entries could interfere with reinstalling.


 * SimShow (Skins)


 * This tool allows skins to be previewed and imported. A Macintosh version was made by Aspyr Media.


 * HomeCrafter


 * This tool allows players to make walls and floors.


 * FaceLift & FaceLift Gold


 * These are tools for creating and importing custom heads.


 * Art Studio


 * This tool allows .BMP and .JPG images to be made as single-tile paintings.


 * FileCop


 * This tool checks some file, such as walls, floors, and skins, and removes incomplete or damaged files.


 * Menu Edit


 * This is a basic tool for editing the text strings which appear in an object's pie menu.


 * Hot Date Object Organizer


 * This tool allows setting objects created by Art Studio and other programs so they sort correctly in the catalog and are available for purchase Downtown.


 * Make-a-Date
 * The Superstar Make-a-Celebrity

The Sims 2

 * Body Shop
 * Content Manager
 * HomeCrafter+

The Sims 3
The EADM (Electronic Arts Download Manager) could be considered a tool as well.
 * Create a Sim
 * Create a World
 * Create a Pattern