Image source: EA
The Sims 4’s Free Camera Mode offers players enhanced control over the camera, which is useful if you’re capturing the perfect in-game photo or crafting your Sims’ living spaces. This guide will take you through how to enter and get out of Free Camera Mode in The Sims 4, regardless of whether you’re playing on PC or console.
Using Free Camera Mode in The Sims 4
Free Camera Mode was initially exclusive to Live Mode, the default gameplay mode where you interact with your Sims and manage their daily activities. However, following The Sims 4’s 148th update, this functionality was expanded to include Build Mode, enhancing the architectural and design aspects of the game by offering unrestricted camera movement. This update does not affect Buy Mode, which remains a separate, straightforward in-game purchasing system.
Switching on the free camera mode differs between platforms. Here’s how it works on each:
On PC:
- Simply press the Tab key to toggle Free Camera Mode on and off.
- Once activated, you can zoom, pan, and tilt the camera freely using the mouse or keyboard shortcuts. The mouse wheel or the W, A, S, D keys control movement, while Q and E can be used to adjust the camera’s height.
On Consoles (PlayStation and Xbox):
- Navigate to the settings menu at the top of the screen and click the Camera Icon to remove the user interface (UI) and enter Free Camera Mode.
- Use the left analog stick to move the camera and the right analog stick to adjust the angle. The level of zoom can be controlled with the right analog stick by pressing it down.
Getting Out of Free Camera Mode
Exiting Free Camera Mode is as straightforward as entering it, but it’s a process not explicitly detailed within the game, leading to some confusion among first-time users.
On PC:
- Press the Tab key again. This simple toggle action is why many refer to Free Camera Mode as “Tab Mode.”
On Consoles:
- To bring the UI back and exit Free Camera Mode, press the O button on PlayStation or the B button on Xbox controllers. Additionally, you can press down on the right analog stick to switch between camera modes, effectively exiting Free Camera Mode.
Like the rotating objects functionality, The Sims 4’s Free Camera Mode is a useful tool for both builders and storytellers alike, serving as a nice way to tweak control over the visual presentation of your Sims’ world. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, mastering Free Camera Mode can significantly enhance your gameplay experience.
