The Sims 3 Cheat Codes and Secrets for PC and Mac

How to enable testing cheats for Sims 3 on PC and Mac

by
Jason Rybka
Writer
Jason Rybka is a former Lifewire PC and Console gaming writer with expertise in gaming exploits. Jason was also the developer/owner of Xbox Solution and other web properties.
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Jason Rybka
Updated on September 18, 2020
reviewed by
Lisa Mildon
Lisa Mildon
Lifewire Tech Review Board Member & Writer
Lisa Mildon is a Lifewire writer and an IT professional with 30 years of experience. Her writing has appeared in Geekisphere and other publications.
our review board
Article reviewed on Jun 22, 2020
Lisa Mildon

Activating cheats for The Sims 3 on PC doesn't require you to edit any game files or download third-party software. You just need to know how to access the cheat console. You can even play as a developer with the testingCheatsEnabled code.

An illustrated version of The Sims
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These cheat codes work exclusively with the Windows and Mac versions of The Sims 3.

How to Enter Cheats for The Sims 3 on PC

While playing the game, display the cheat console with the following keyboard shortcuts:

  • For Windows, press Ctrl+Shift+C simultaneously.
  • For Mac, press Command+Shift+C simultaneously.

On some Windows computers, press Ctrl+Windows key+Shift+C. If you still have trouble with the Sims 3 cheat console, restart the computer.

The Sims 3 Cheat Codes

Once the console is open, type one of the codes below and press Enter to enable the corresponding cheat. For some cheats, include either on or off (or true or false) at the end of the code to toggle the effect. Other codes require you to append a name or value.

Cheat Code
Add 1,000 Simoleons. kaching
Add 50,000 Simoleons. motherlode
Move objects that are normally stationary. moveObjects  on/off
View career outfits and service uniforms (must be entered before you start making a Sim). unlockOutfits  on/off
Return a Sim to a safe and neutral state at home. resetSim  name
Allow terrain adjustments (default is true). constrainFloorElevation  true/false
Objects won't snap to slots while holding Alt. disableSnappingToSlotsOnAlt  on/off
Objects fade as the camera gets close to them (doesn't affect Sims). fadeObjects  on/off
Show/hide talk and thought bubbles. hideHeadlineEffects  on/off
Display a random joke within the cheat console. jokePlease
Slow motion (0 is normal, 8 is slowest). slowMotionViz  number
Full screen mode. fullscreen  on/off
Display frame rate at top of the screen. fps
Quit the game. quit
Enable llamas. enablellamas  on/off
Enable/disable testing cheats. testingCheatsEnabled  true/false
Display a list of all cheat codes. help

Testing Cheats for The Sims 3

Activating the testingCheatsEnabled true code unlocks several new options. This cheat puts Sims 3 into debug mode, so you can modify most aspects of the game and use additional codes. For example, to give yourself money, enter the following code in the cheat console: 

familyfunds [sims last name] [money wanted]

Shift-Click Cheats

The testingCheatsEnabled true cheat also enables a number of Shift+Click hacks. Hold Shift as you click on various items to unveil a list of options. For example:

  • Shift-click a Sim to trigger age transition or modify traits.
  • Shift-click a non-household Sim to add them to your household.
  • Shift-click anywhere on the ground to teleport to that location.
  • Shift-click your workplace to force events and opportunities for raises, promotions, and more.
  • Shift-click the mailbox to make friends, force visitors, and more.
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