Carl's ColorPicker V2
If you have ever stared at a Sims 4 build and wished the cabinets were a deep navy instead of that washed-out beige, Carl's ColorPicker V2 is the mod you have been waiting for. This is not just a simple swatch switcher; it is a full-scale color manipulation tool that lets you tint, shade, and completely reimagine almost any object in the game. From subtle lightening to a full rainbow spectrum, this mod puts a professional-grade color suite right into your gameplay.
What Makes Carl's ColorPicker V2 Different?
The original ColorPicker mod was a handy tool for swapping object swatches. Carl's ColorPicker V2 is an evolution of that concept, introducing the ability to select colors and tint almost any object with those colors. From simple lightening and darkening operations to every color in the rainbow, the mod has you covered. When it fails to provide a color, you can paste a hex code to fill in the gaps.
Key Features at a Glance
- New ColorPicker menu with various functions.
- Tint objects any color, increase their red, green or blue shades, lighten or darken them.
- Explore new build options by creating never-before seen looks.
- Copy a color from an object and paste it to another.
- Apply to multiple targets, or shift to single-target mode.
- Lock objects to avoid the mod targeting them in the future.
- Enter a hex code if you can't find the color you want.
- Works best on light colored objects, for obvious reasons.
- Uses the light dimmer menu slider to allow for adjustments.
- Improved Swatch Picker logic.
Changing Colors: The Core Mechanics
All color-changing options are under the Carl ColorChange menu found when shift-clicking an object (to target it) or the ground (to target the room as defined by The Sims 4). This is your command center for all things color. You can access this menu easily, provided you have testing cheats enabled.
Apply From Rainbow
The Apply from Rainbow menu is where you will find most colors available. This menu automatically goes from red to orange, through yellows and blues, and ends on violet (like a rainbow) giving you 100 colors in between. It's a fast-moving menu that can be navigated visually to easily find a color you want. If you like, you can click Adjust Saturation or Adjust Lightness to alter the look of every color in the list. This lets you generate very dark to very light colors.
The amount of colors to display in the rainbow menu can be adjusted with the Carl.ColorAmount # cheat. It defaults to 100. Set Carl.ColorAmount 40 or so if your computer doesn't like the long color menu. You can type Carl.ColorHelp to be reminded of this cheat (lol).
Apply Color From List
In this menu, the mod provides some odd colors like browns, greys and some unique selections for your convenience. It's a good menu to check if you're looking for a wood or metallic color. You can also use the Enter Hex here. It expects a hex that is exactly 7 characters, like #FDFDFD. Within these 2 menus you can toggle the multi-target option. Use this if you want to change one item at a time.
Fine-Tuning with RGB Sliders
Once you apply a color, the real fun begins. The Adjust All RGB option automatically comes up when you Apply a Color using one of the previous 2 options. It will proportionately adjust the red, green, and blue values to lighten or darken an object's color. In general, white tint does nothing but as you subtract objects will change. The slightest grey tint will darken an object. You can use this menu multiple times to go even darker, to the point all detail on the object is lost and it is entirely black.
The Increase Red, Green, or Blue slider works in reverse. It will start with the full dimmer slider setting. As you move it down, it will raise the color you chose. The reason for this is that in color terms to increase red you remove green and blue. Conversely, the Decrease Red, Green, or Blue option will directly subtract from the object's RGB based on your choice. Use it if you want to slightly adjust an object's color. Simple!
The Reset option will give you a fresh start. This can be used on the floor in a room to reset the entire room's tint settings back to none.
Changing Swatches and Compatibility
This was the original job of the ColorPicker Mod, but it wasn't left out of this update. This option will scan objects' swatches for color tags and try to apply one that fits. It can go back and forth between two options for now (if available on the object). The new logic will prefer colors that do not have others. If you pick blue, for example, and a blue/white swatch is available it will pick that one over blue and red so that objects are more likely to match. It will pick the blue and red only as a backup option. The feature also sports a new 'Make Neutral Color' option that will try to pick white, grey, black, light or dark browns. This was made to try to prep a room for a ColorPicker makeover! In addition to these changes, the menu is much faster when you repeatedly select the same object.
Carl's ColorPicker V2 for The Sims 4 is designed to work with the base game and most expansion packs, as it relies on core object tinting mechanics. It is generally compatible with other mods, though it is always wise to check for conflicts with other UI overhauls. For those using the foxygame.net launcher, the process is streamlined: the launcher offers a one-click install for Carl's ColorPicker V2, ensuring that you get the correct version for your game build without manual file management. This is a great way to keep your mods organized, as the launcher also tracks updates for your installed add-ons, so you never miss a patch.
Gallery Compatibility & Known Limitations
This mod does work with the gallery, but if a player downloads a build they will require colorpicker to see the custom tints on your objects. It is suggested adding a #ColorPicker hash tag to inform them of this. Also, when you first place a build none of the object tints will be visible. The mod activates when you LEAVE BUILD MODE so keep this in mind. The only issue known with this mod is when you hover over a live-draggable object that is placed on something like a counter. When the game highlights the counter under the object, it will show its normal view. This is a bummer, but should not be a major issue if you keep it in mind.
While you can tint most any object, it is not recommended to tint chickens as they revert to normal when they walk. The creator will not be fixing this. You can also dye babies. That won't be fixed, either.
Enabling & Using Menus
This mod requires TestingCheats On and to shift-click objects or the ground. If you shift-click the ground, the mod will try to change a whole room. This is horrible with most color tints, but useful for lightening or darkening. The whole room feature primarily exists for Swatch Picker as it can be used to prototype color ideas across a whole room. If you shift-click an object, it will automatically target all objects of the same kind in the same room. This is great for changing objects like cabinets. If you disable multi-targeting in the menu, you can change one object at a time.
How to Install
Like any other mod, put in your Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods directory. Ensure script mods are turned on, or it will do nothing. If you don't have testingcheats on, you won't be able to see the menus so make sure of that before seeking support. For a more automated approach, players using the foxygame.net launcher can rely on its add-on catalog to manage the installation of Carl's ColorPicker V2, which also handles version compatibility checks automatically, saving you the hassle of verifying your game patch level manually.
In conclusion, Carl's ColorPicker V2 is an indispensable tool for any serious builder. It transforms the way you approach color in The Sims 4, offering depth and control that the base game simply lacks. Whether you are a meticulous interior designer or a chaotic experimenter, this mod will change your builds forever.