Open Create a Sim and load your existing Sim

To edit a Sim you've already created, start The Sims 4 and click Create a Sim from the main menu. The game will show you a list of Sims you've made. Find the one you want to change and click on their name or portrait. The Sim will load into Create a Sim with all their current features — appearance, clothing, traits, and skills — ready to modify.

If you're editing a Sim who already lives in a household, you can also enter Build/Buy Mode while playing that household, then press the button to open Create a Sim directly. This loads the Sim without leaving the game, though you'll be limited to appearance changes rather than traits or skills.

Key Takeaways

  • Load an existing Sim through the main menu's Create a Sim option, or edit them in-game through Build/Buy Mode without leaving your household.
  • Change appearance by clicking on any body part or clothing item, then selecting new options from the panel that appears on the right side of the screen.
  • Modify traits, skills, and aspirations by clicking the corresponding tabs at the top of the Create a Sim window — these changes only work when editing from the main menu, not in-game.
  • Save your changes by clicking the checkmark or confirm button; the game will update the Sim when ready in your save file.
  • Undo unwanted changes by clicking the undo arrow before you save, or reload the Sim without saving to discard all edits.

Change appearance and body features

Click on any visible part of your Sim's body — their face, torso, arms, or legs — and a panel will appear on the right side showing appearance options for that area. You can adjust skin tone, facial features, body shape, and tattoos. Each click opens a different set of sliders and choices. For example, clicking the face lets you change eye shape, nose width, and jaw structure individually.

To change clothing, click on the outfit preview at the bottom of the screen or click directly on the Sim's clothes. A menu appears showing different outfit categories: everyday wear, formal, athletic, sleepwear, and party clothes. Select a category, then choose a specific outfit or mix and match individual pieces. You can also click the color swatch next to any clothing item to recolor it.

Hairstyle changes work the same way — click on the Sim's head to open hair options, then browse styles by length, texture, or color. The game shows you a preview of each choice on your Sim before you confirm it.

Adjust traits, aspirations, and skills

Click the Traits tab at the top of the Create a Sim window to see your Sim's current traits and add or remove them. Each trait changes how your Sim behaves and what they're drawn to — a Sim with the "Gloomy" trait will be sad more often, while a "Cheerful" Sim laughs frequently. You can have up to three traits active at once. Click the X next to a trait to remove it, or click an empty trait slot to browse and add a new one.

The Aspirations tab works the same way. Aspirations are long-term goals your Sim works toward, like "Friend of the Animals" or "Friend of the Culinary Arts." Completing aspiration milestones gives your Sim reward points they can spend on special perks. You can change your Sim's aspiration at any time by clicking the tab and selecting a different one.

To adjust skills, click the Skills tab. You'll see a list of all available skills — cooking, painting, fitness, and so on — with sliders next to each one. Drag the slider to set your Sim's skill level from 0 to 10. A Sim with level 10 cooking can prepare the best meals and unlock special recipes, while a level 0 Sim will burn food frequently. Note that skill changes only work when editing from the main menu, not when editing in-game.

Use the color and style customization tools

Most clothing items, hairstyles, and accessories have a color swatch next to them. Click the swatch to open a color picker where you can choose from preset colors or create a custom color by adjusting hue, saturation, and brightness. This lets you match your Sim's outfit to their personality or create a specific look.

Some items have multiple color zones — for example, a jacket might have a main color and a trim color. Each zone has its own swatch. Click the zone you want to change, then pick a new color. The preview updates when ready so you can see how the colors work together before you confirm.

Save your changes and return to the game

Once you've finished editing, look for the checkmark button or confirm button — usually in the bottom right corner of the Create a Sim window. Click it to save all your changes. The game will update your Sim when ready. If you're editing from the main menu, the Sim is saved to your save file. If you're editing in-game, the changes take effect the next time you load that household.

If you make a mistake, click the undo arrow (usually a curved arrow pointing left) before you save. This undoes your last change. You can undo multiple times to go back several steps. If you've already saved and want to discard all edits, close Create a Sim without saving — the game will ask you to confirm, and your Sim will revert to their previous appearance.

Edit Sims in a household without leaving the game

While playing a household, you can edit any Sim who lives in that house without returning to the main menu. Enter Build/Buy Mode by pressing the button shown on your screen (usually a hammer icon), then look for the option to edit a Sim. Click on the Sim you want to change. Create a Sim will open with that Sim loaded.

In-game editing is limited compared to the main menu version — you can change appearance, clothing, and hairstyle, but you cannot modify traits, aspirations, or skills. This is intentional: traits and skills affect gameplay, and the game prevents mid-play changes to keep your save file stable. If you need to change those things, you'll need to exit to the main menu and edit from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit a Sim who's already in a household without losing my progress?

Yes. Enter Build/Buy Mode while playing that household and use the in-game edit option. Your household and all progress stay intact. You can only change appearance and clothing this way, not traits or skills. To change those, you must edit from the main menu, which also keeps your household safe.

What happens if I change a Sim's traits after they've started a job or aspiration?

Changing traits doesn't cancel jobs or aspirations, but it may affect how quickly your Sim completes aspiration milestones. Some milestones require specific traits — for example, "Cheerful" milestones are easier with the Cheerful trait. If you remove the trait, progress toward those milestones slows down but doesn't reset.

Can I undo changes after I've saved and closed Create a Sim?

No. Once you click the checkmark and close Create a Sim, the changes are permanent. Use the undo arrow while Create a Sim is still open to reverse mistakes. If you've already saved, your only option is to reload an earlier save file if you have one.

Why can't I edit skills or traits when I edit a Sim in-game?

The Sims 4 prevents mid-play changes to traits and skills to keep your save file stable and prevent conflicts with active gameplay. Appearance changes are safe to make anytime, but changing how a Sim behaves or what they can do requires editing from the main menu.