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|caption = Buy mode in ''The Sims 3''
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[[File:Buymode icon sims2.png|left]]'''Buy mode''' is one of three independent modes in the game (the others being [[Live mode]] and [[Build mode]]) that appears in ''[[The Sims]]'', ''[[The Sims 2]]'', ''[[The Sims 3]]'', and several spin-off games. It can be activated by F2clicking keyon shortcutthe Buy mode icon in the user interface, or by pressing {{Key|F2}}. Buy mode allows players to purchase items from an object catalog and place them on the current lot, sell objects that are on the current lot, and arrange objects on the current lot. Construction-related elements such as doors, windows, fences, and stairs are not associated with buy mode, but are in build mode. Buy mode largely focuses on furniture and appliances.
The descriptions of many of the objects available for purchase in the game (particularly the less expensive ones) involve humor, sarcasm, insults towards the player, and wit, and serves as comic relief in the game. For example, one of the cheapest cars available in ''[[The Sims 3]]'', the "Big Lemon", notes that although the car's doors are jammed and its ignition is faulty, it is still worth buying. Another example is the outdoor entertainment item "Foot-and-Hand Ball" used to train the [[athletic skill]], which references and pokes fun at American football, which, despite its name, rarely involves contact with the ball via the feet.
== Mechanics ==
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* The game is paused while the player is in buy mode. Game time only passes when the player is in live mode.
* Daylight/Nightime can be toggled.
* Many of the tools available to the player, such as the hand tool, eyedropper tool, and design tool, are also available in build mode. ▼** The tools will function just as well on items placed in build mode, like fences and trees, as they will on items placed in buy mode.
*In some situations, buy mode, as well as build 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 are re-activated. ▼** However, Buy mode, as well as build mode, can be activated through the alwaysallowbuildbuy{{Vgversion|TS3}} cheat.
* In general, buy mode and build mode are also disabled when a Sim is on a [[community lot]].
** In ''The Sims 3'', however, clicking the Build or Buy buttons while on a community lot will bring the camera back to the home lot of the Sim, and open Build or Buy mode there.
▲* Many of the tools available to the player, such as the hand tool, eyedropper tool, {{vgversion|TS2}}{{vgversion|TS3}} and design tool, {{vgversion|TS2}} are also available in build mode and will function just as well on items placed in build mode, like fences and trees, as they will on items placed in buy mode.
Music for buy mode in ''The Sims'' is that of various stringed instruments.
▲*In some situations, buy mode, as well as build 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 are re-activated . However, buy mode as well as build mode can be activated through the <code>alwaysallowbuildbuy</code> cheat.{{vgversion|TS3}} In general, buy mode and build mode are also disabled when a Sim is on a [[community lot]]. In ''The Sims 3'', however, clicking the Build or Buy buttons while on a community lot will bring the camera back to the home lot of the Sim, and open Build or Buy mode there.
In ''[[The Sims 3]]'' players can access [[Blueprint mode]].
In ''[[The Sims 3]]'' players can access [[blueprint mode]] from build or buy modes, which allows them to plop down pre-designed rooms to form a floor plan.
== By function categories ==
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