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{{Era|TS1|TS2|LS|PS|CS|TS3|TS4}}
'''Build Mode''' is one of three modes in the game (the others being [[Live mode]] and [[Buy mode]]). Build Mode is used mainly for architectural and construction work; addition of plumbing, counters and lighting, things typically done during real-life construction, is done in Buy Mode instead. Build Mode can be used to do all of the following: Add [[Wall|walls]], paint/cover walls, add doors and [[window|windows]], lay down flooring, create foundations (''The Sims 2'' and later), add columns and supports, create pools, raise and lower land, create ponds, build gardens and landscape, add [[fireplace|fireplaces]], add additional floors/stories to a building, and add a roof. Some base games or expansions allow additional Build Mode Features, such as terrain "spray painting"(''The Sims 2 ''and ''The Sims 3'') or ceiling construction (''[[The Sims 2: Apartment Life]]'' or ''The Sims 3'').
{{All
|name = Build mode
|image = [[File:Wall.jpg|235px]]
|caption = A wall in a build mode.
}}
{{For|a more in depth look of the build mode in ''The Sims 4''|Build mode (The Sims 4)}}
'''Build mode''' is one of three main modes in most of the games of [[The Sims (series)|''The Sims'' series]] (the others being [[Live mode]] and [[Buy mode]]). Build mode is used mainly for architectural and construction work. Adding plumbing, counters and lighting — things typically done during real-life construction — is done in Buy mode instead. Some build mode tools may be inactive if playing in a [[dorm]] or [[apartment]] lot, and build mode itself may become unavailable during certain in-game events like [[fire]]s or [[burglar]]ies. Unlike Buy mode objects, Build mode objects usually remain on a residential lot after a household [[Moving|moves out]].
 
Like buy mode, [[time]] is paused while in build mode. The objects in the catalog may contain humorous and comical descriptions, although generally to a much lesser extent than in buy mode.
== Building Basics ==
Regardless of the version of the game being played, building using the game's Build Mode can be made simpler with some basic knowledge, use of the correct key combinations and use of suitable Build Mode Tools.
 
== Building basics ==
=== Keys and Key Combinations ===
Regardless of the version of the game being played, building using the game's Build mode can be made simpler with some basic knowledge, use of the correct key combinations and use of suitable Build Mode Tools.
''The Sims 1, 2, ''and'' 3'' Build Modes are all relatively similar - if one is already adept at using one version of the Build Mode, other versions can be mastered with very little effort. For example, all Build Modes make use of the same keys for performing actions. These keys are:
 
=== Keys and key combinations ===
'''The Shift Key:''' <u>When painting/covering walls</u>, holding SHIFT will allow you to paint the whole wall section at once. If the wall creates a complete room, holding SHIFT will paint the whole room at once. <u>When placing flooring</u>, holding SHIFT will allow you to paint the floor with the selected flooring. <u>When placing walls</u>, holding SHIFT will create square or rectangular rooms. This can be done with half walls and fences as well. In ''The Sims 2'' or later, there is a tool specifically for creating rectangular rooms. <u>When placing some objects,</u> holding SHIFT will duplicate the object. Many objects will automatically duplicate, like trees and windows.
In ''[[The Sims]]'', ''[[The Sims 2]]'', ''[[The Sims 3]]'', and ''[[The Sims 4]]'', build modes are all relatively similar. If one is already adept at using one version of the Build Mode, other versions can be mastered with very little effort. For example, all Build Modes make use of the same keys for performing actions. These keys are:
 
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'''The CTRL+SHIFT Key Combination:''' <u>When painting/covering walls</u>, usingholding CTRL+SHIFT (hold down both keys at the same time), you canwill un-paint a whole wallsingle section atof oncewall, returning it to it'sits initial, bare appearance. If<u>When theplacing wallflooring</u>, createsholding CTRL will remove a completesingle roomtile of flooring, usingreturning CTRL+SHIFTthe willtile un-paintto its initial appearance — either grass/ground or foundation, depending on the wholegame roomand atwhat onceis being built. <u>When placingbuilding flooringwalls</u>, usingholding CTRL+SHIFT will remove allentire lengths of wall. Using the sameWall Tool, hold CTRL and drag the Wall Tool along the typelength of flooringan inalready-placed wall to remove the room;wall (also works for fences and half walls). inIn ''The Sims'', usingany CTRL+SHIFTitems willon removethe wall being removed must be deleted or moved. In '''allThe Sims 2 ''or 'flooring,'The regardlessSims of3'' whetherthose theyitems are automatically deleted when removing the samewall.
 
'''CTRL+SHIFT Key Combination:''' <u>When painting/covering walls</u>, using CTRL+SHIFT (hold down both keys at the same time) will remove the paint from the whole wall section at once, returning it to its bare appearance. If the wall creates a complete room, using CTRL+SHIFT will remove the paint from the whole room at once. <u>When placing flooring</u>, using CTRL+SHIFT will remove all of the same type of flooring in the room. In ''The Sims'', using CTRL+SHIFT will remove '''all''' flooring, regardless of type. Flooring that is underneath an object may not be removed, especially on upper floors. In ''The Sims 3'', CTRL+SHIFT clicking some objects opens a menu with additional options, such as setting a light's color and brightness, and configuring actions on one object (e.g. turning on a light or changing the channel on a television) that trigger actions on another.
'''The ESC key:''' Using the ESC key will immediately cancel any action you are performing and will deselect any object you have picked up with the Hand Tool.
 
'''The ESC key:''' Using the ESC key will immediately cancel any action being performed and will deselect any object selected with the Hand Tool.
'''CTRL+Z and CTRL+Y: '''Build Mode allows you to undo and redo previous actions, but using CTRL+Z (undo) and CTRL+Y (redo) is a quick and handy way to undo or redo actions without clicking other buttons.
 
'''CTRL+Z and CTRL+Y:''' Build mode allows previous actions to be undone and redone, but using CTRL+Z (undo) and CTRL+Y (redo) is a quick and handy way to undo or redo actions without clicking any buttons.
=== General Building Rules ===
 
=== General building rules ===
Building in Build Mode requires that the builder follow certain parameters laid out by the game. Some common ones are as follows:
 
'''Lot Boundaries: '''You cannot buildBuilding or placeplacing objects outside the limits of the lot is not allowed. Walls and foundations cannot be placed within 2 tiles of the outerlot's limit of the lot,edge or within 2 tiles of the front sidewalk (The sidewalk marks the forward limit of the property). Fences can be placed all the way up to the edge of the lot.
 
'''Proper Support: ''' Especially important when building on foundation or when building multiple floors, youwalls areor notfences ablecannot tobe place walls or fencesplaced on areas that are not supported by the floor below, either by walls or by columns. When placing flooring, youthere areis a restrictedrestriction as to how far out beyond the support below youis mayallowed. go - ifIf building off of a straight wall below, you may only go 2 tiles outward from the wall may be placed without requiring more support below. Note that these rules do not apply if building above an already-enclosed room. However, placing floors on top of a column and then deleting the column will not remove the placed floors. This is because the game does not check whether a floor is supported by something once it has been placed down. Using this method can make suspended or even hovering futuristic houses.
 
'''Indoor-Outdoor Placement: ''' Some objects, like landscaping objects and trees, can only be placed outside on the terrain without the use of [[cheats]] or [[Into the Future]]'s soil rugs. Other objects cannot be placed outside, and must be inside a structure. OtherIn objects''The Sims'' and ''The Sims 2'', likeobjects such as pools, must be placed on the ground, and not on a foundation, even if the pool is indoors. In ''The Sims 3'', pools can be placed on foundations, but this will unlevel and lower the terrain beneath.
 
'''Walls on foundation / Walls off foundation: ''' Walls that are resting directly on the ground cannot connect to walls that sit on foundations, or on decking, unless the foundation or deck is above the ground at the same height of the wall.
 
'''Proper Clearance: ''' All items placed must have enough clearance (height) available for them to be placed -; items cannot be placed directly underneath a roof. This may be bypassed somewhat in ''The Sims'' and ''The Sims 2'' by not placing floor tiles underneath the wall-enclosed object. ''The Sims 3'' fixed this by adding a height check.
 
'''Height Limits: ''' In ''The Sims'', all structures are limited to 2 floors. In ''The Sims 2 '' all structures are limited to five levels, including basements and foundations (though this can be bypassed [[The Sims 2: University/cheats|through the use of cheats]]), and in ''The Sims 3'' all structures are limited to eight levels: four floorsbasement in the surfacelevels and four basementfloors levelson (plusthe surface, including the foundations) for above-ground leveling.
 
'''Tile and Wall Size:''' The height of a section of wall is equal to the length of 3 floor squares. This is most noticeable while placing a 45° roof. It is possible that the length of a game tile is 1 meter, and the height of a wall would be 3 meters.
==Categories==
The build mode objects are divided into several categories:
 
'''Refunding:''' Within ''The Sims'' series, objects and structures placed in Build mode depreciate as soon as they are placed. For example, removing a wall gives §56 instead of the original §70. This adds realism to the game and gives the player limited tries at building before the cost uses up too much of the funds intended for furnishing and living expenses. The undo tool was introduced to give the player a chance to receive full reimbursement, but players still need to be wise since the memory of the tool isn't unlimited. In ''The Sims'' and ''The Sims 2'', using the undo tool is the only way to get a refund for changes made with the Terrain Tool.
* [[Wall]]s
 
* [[Floor]]s
===Build tools===
* [[Wallpaper]]s
* [[Foundation]]sFile:Ts3 (Thebuytools.jpg|thumb|Buy Simsmode 2tools andin ''[[The Sims 3)]]''.]]
These tools, for the most part, can be used interchangeably to change the elements of both buy and build modes.
* [[Fence]]s
 
'''Hand Tool (''hotkey'' H):''' The hand tool is the default tool and is used to add, pick up, rotate, and move items. Some items cannot be moved, while others can only be placed in certain locations. When holding an item, the highlighted tile(s) which show its footprint also show which side is considered the front (depending on the object, this may or may not be the side Sims will approach it from).{{Vgversion|TS2}}{{Vgversion|TS3}} If the tile is highlighted green, the item may be placed at that location; otherwise, it will be red—{{Vgversion|TS2}}{{Vgversion|TS3}}attempting to place the item will give a description of the problem. Objects can be picked up by clicking on them. When holding an existing object, the player can delete the object by clicking on the bottom of the screen, or by pressing the {{Key|Del}} key. To rotate an object, the player can either use the {{Key|<}} and {{Key|>}} keys, or drag the cursor around in the direction they wish their object to face in. When a new certain item is purchased, the hand tool will automatically be selected and used to place the new item; holding {{Key|Shift}} while placing the item allows the player to place multiple copies of the same item. Pressing the {{Key|Esc}} key will cancel the placement of an object. In ''The Sims'', the direction the object is facing in is indicated by the arrows shown while rotating an object with the mouse—the white arrow indicates the front side of the object, while the black arrow indicates the back.
 
'''Eyedropper tool:'''{{vgversion|TS2}}{{vgversion|TS3}}{{vgversion|TS4}} When pointed at a wall covering, floor covering, or most objects, the tool will show the name of what it is pointed at. Clicking on a wall or floor covering will switch to the appropriate area of build mode and select that covering so it can be applied. Clicking on an object will make an exact duplicate of it and will focus the catalog on that object. If the selected object is from buy mode, the game will switch to buy mode. There can sometimes be a glitch where the item doesn't immediately appear on the cursor, and thus needs to be reselected manually.
 
'''Design tool:'''{{vgversion|TS2}}{{vgversion|TS4}} Allows a recolor or other change to a selected item. Costs §15 per use, and some items cannot be changed. The Design tool was featured in ''The Sims 2'', and was replaced in ''The Sims 3'' by the Create a Style tool.
 
'''[[Create a Style]]:'''{{vgversion|TS3}}{{vgversion|TSM}} This tool opens up the Create a Style menu, which allows the player to redecorate and recolor most items by using preselected styles and colors or manually using a color wheel and different available textures. There is no cost for its use. This tool was featured in ''The Sims 3''. Despite the lack of build mode, this tool is also available in ''[[The Sims Medieval]]''.
 
'''Top-down View:'''{{vgversion|TS2}}{{vgversion|TS3}} Switches the display to (or from) a view from above.
 
'''Undo/Redo:''' In ''The Sims'', this was only available in build mode, and the undo/redo history would be lost if the player switched to Buy mode. In later games, the undo/redo history will be kept even if the player switches between Buy and build modes.
 
<!-- More of a feature/button. Shouldn't go under [[terrain]]? -->
'''Flatten Lot tool:'''{{vgversion|TS2P}} Introduced in ''[[The Sims 2: Pets]]''. It lowers all unoccupied tiles to street level.
 
'''Sledgehammer tool:'''{{vgversion|TS2P}}{{vgversion|TS3}}{{vgversion|TS4}} Introduced in ''The Sims 2: Pets''. It is another way to remove walls and objects and can remove all objects that are on a tile. In ''The Sims 3'', the sledgehammer tool can be clicked and dragged to delete objects or construction over multiple tiles instead of clicking on each item individually.
 
'''45 degree angle:'''{{vgversion|TS2AL}} This was introduced in ''[[The Sims 2: Apartment Life]]'', and it makes it easier to put floor tiles on the ceiling.
 
=== Additional information ===
In some situations, Build mode as well as [[Buy mode]] may become disabled, such as during a [[fire]], [[burglar]]y, or other major event. This is done to prevent modifications to the lot that may impact or prevent a game event from occurring. After the event has ended, Build and Buy modes will be reactivated. Build mode is also disabled when traveling in (''World Adventures''). There is a [[Cheats/Gameplay|cheat]] given to prevent this in ''The Sims 3'', where there is a dialog notifying the event and the functions are disabled but not greyed out.
 
In general, build and buy modes are unavailable when on unowned [[community lot]]s, and the buttons will be greyed out. In ''The Sims 3'', however, clicking the Build or Buy buttons while away from the active household's home lot will bring the camera back to the home lot, and open Build or Buy mode there. If the household owns any additional lots, the camera will pan to the lot that was most recently viewed by the player.
 
[[Door]]s, [[arch]]ways, [[window]]s, [[garden|plants]], greenhouse equipment (namely [[sprinkler (gardening)|sprinklers]], [[compost]] bins, [[Lovely Ladybug Loft|ladybug lofts]] and garden lamps) and [[column]]s can be marked for sale in an owned [[business]].
 
==Categories==
The build mode objects are divided into several categories. In ''The Sims 2'' and ''The Sims 3'', most of these categories are divided into subcategories. Not all categories or subcategories are present in all games; build mode subcategories were never introduced into ''The Sims''.
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break}}
* [[Arch]]es
* [[Awning]]s
* [[Basement|Basement Tool]] {{vgversion|TS3}}
* [[Column]]s
* [[Door]]s
* [[Elevator]]s {{vgversion|TS2:OFB}} {{vgversion|TS2:AL}} {{vgversion|TS3:LN}} {{vgversion|TS3:ITF}}
* [[Window]]s
* [[Fence]]s
* [[Fireplace]]s
* [[ColumnFloor]]s
* [[Garden|Flowers]]
* [[Foundation]]s {{vgversion|TS2}} {{vgversion|TS3}}
* [[Fountain]]s {{vgversion|TS3}}
* [[Fence|Gates]] {{vgversion|TS2}} {{vgversion|TS3}}
* [[Wall#Half Walls|Half Walls]] {{vgversion|TS2}} {{vgversion|TS3}}
{{Col-break}}
* [[Pond]]s
* [[Fence|Railings]]
* [[Garden|Rocks]]
* [[Roof]]s
* [[Garden|Shrubs]]
* [[Staircase]]s
* [[Swimming pool]]s
[[Category: Simology]]
* [[Terrain|Terrain Paints]] {{vgversion|TS2}} {{vgversion|TS3}}
* [[Terrain|Terrain Tools]]
* [[Garden|Trees]]
* [[Wall]]s
* [[Wallpaper|Wall Coverings]]
* [[Window]]s
{{col-end}}
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
Simbuild.png|Build Mode in ''The Sims''
Buildmodets2.jpg|Build Mode in ''The Sims 2''
Build bar ts3.jpg|Build Mode in ''The Sims 3''
S4_Build.png|Build Mode in ''The Sims 4''
</gallery>
 
==See also==
* [http://www.carls-sims-3-guide.com/buildedit/ Home Building and Edit Town Tutorials]
 
[[fr:Mode Construction]]
[[Category:Architecture| Build Mode]]
[[Category:Game mechanics]]
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