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
 * SimShow Skins
 * HomeCrafter
 * FaceLift] & FaceLift Gold
 * ArtStudio
 * FileCop
 * Menu Edit
 * Hot Date Object Organizer
 * 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