To make things smaller in The Sims 4, go into Build mode, click the object so it is selected, and press Shift + [. Each press shrinks it one step. Press Shift + ] to make it bigger again. No cheat or mod is needed, and it works on PC and Mac.
Step by step: shrink an object
- Open Build mode (
F2). - Click the object once so it is picked up or highlighted.
- Hold
Shiftand tap[(left square bracket) to shrink it. - Hold
Shiftand tap](right square bracket) to make it bigger. - Place the object. It keeps its new size.
There is a minimum size. When you reach it, more presses do nothing. Most objects can grow a lot more than they can shrink.
Shift + [ does nothing? Try this
- Select the object first. Hovering is not enough. Click it so it is active.
- Check your keyboard layout. On many non US layouts (German, Nordic, French) the bracket keys sit somewhere else or need
Alt Gr. Switch your keyboard layout to English (US) in Windows or macOS while you build, then switch back. - You may be at the limit. Try
Shift + ]. If the object grows, the shortcut works and it was already as small as it gets. - Some objects can’t be resized at all. Try a plant or a clutter item to test the shortcut.
- Playing on console? The keyboard shortcut is for PC and Mac. Controls on PlayStation and Xbox are different, so check the controller layout in the game’s options.
What to shrink (and what to leave alone)
| Usually fine | Can cause problems |
|---|---|
| Clutter, books, vases, sculptures | Beds, sofas, chairs, desks |
| Plants and flowers | Fridges, stoves, sinks, toilets |
| Wall art, mirrors, rugs | Doors, windows, stairs |
| Lamps used as decoration | Anything Sims sit on, sleep on or use |
Resized furniture and appliances can make Sims stand and wave instead of using them, clip through other objects or route oddly. If something stops working, select it and press Shift + ] until it is back to normal size, or sell it and place a new one from the catalog.
Shrinking plus bb.moveobjects
Small objects often need to sit closer than the grid allows. Open the cheat console with Ctrl + Shift + C, type bb.moveobjects on and press Enter. Now you can place objects freely and on top of each other. Hold Alt while you move an object to drop the grid snapping. Type bb.moveobjects off when you are done. Turn the camera to check the result from all sides: our guide to tilting the camera shows how.
Going smaller than the game allows: CC
The in game shortcut has a floor. For true miniatures, creators make a new, smaller copy of the object with Sims 4 Studio and Blender: export the mesh, scale it down, import it again and save it as custom content. It takes some practice, but the result has no size limit. Many creators also share ready made miniature clutter as CC.
FAQ
Is resizing a cheat?
No. Shift + [ and Shift + ] are normal Build mode shortcuts. You don’t need testingcheats.
Does it work on Mac?
Yes. Use the same keys: Shift + [ to shrink and Shift + ] to enlarge.
How do I reset an object to its normal size?
Select it and press the opposite shortcut until it looks right. The quick way is to sell it and place a fresh copy from the catalog, which always comes in at normal size.
Can I shrink Sims?
Not with this shortcut. It only works on objects in Build mode. Sims are shaped in Create a Sim.
More building help: how to build a house in The Sims 4 and 15 tips for better interiors.