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Lab Assistant
Original Poster
#1 Old 6th May 2026 at 7:37 AM Last edited by Thanathan : 6th May 2026 at 8:03 AM.
Default Tips to keep track of EP, Stuff and Store Content used?
Heyhey,

This might be an odd question, but with my AuDHD I have a hard time keeping track of what content I used in my builds.
I usually get into a flow and don't stop until I emerge with a finished build at the end of it.
Keeping track of the content used has never been a part of that. I can keep track of proper modded custom content, since I don't have that much of it (and I know those items by heart), but especially when it comes to stuff packs and store items, I am falling on hard times. As a whale I own nearly all of those (Yes, even the Katy Perry pack, albeit the only usable items in there are arguably the posters XD ). And, let's face it, the sorting and filtering in TS3 is abysmal, especially since a lot of EP and stuff icons look the damn same. Telling by the icon alone what EP or pack an item comes from is near impossible, unless you filter through all similar looking EPs/packs and see where it pops up.

Since I need to state the extra content used, when sharing builds, I would love to know about uncomplicated methods of keeping track that do not ruin your flow.

Thanks in advance!
Scholar
#2 Old 6th May 2026 at 11:00 AM Last edited by CardinalSims : 7th May 2026 at 12:07 AM.
As missing content will safely disappear or be replaced when a lot is loaded, I believe the pack tags don't have to be 100% accurate for TS3 builds (it's just appreciated by downloaders).
The guidelines mention that they should be tagged for substantial use and usage that is essential for the look of the lot. The same section also recommends keeping a text file open to note packs down as you use them - a physical notebook would also do the trick.

There's a tool called SimsReadmeGenerator that can read the pack dependencies and (launcher-installed) Store content.
As an .exe with no source code isn't everyone's cup of tea, I can offer the good news that you can also do this manually by converting the .sims3pack to .package and opening it in S3PE. Export the _XML, open it in a text editor, 'Find' expansion group numbers ie. 18000000 for Ambitions.

Though I will add- the blue icons are similar for sure, but it's definitely not impossible to learn!
They tend to correspond to their loading screens. Once you know those, it's easier to match icons to their pack.

Permanent resident at NRaas.
Lab Assistant
Original Poster
#3 Old 6th May 2026 at 12:44 PM Last edited by Thanathan : 6th May 2026 at 12:57 PM.
Quote: Originally posted by CardinalSims

There's a tool called SimsReadmeGenerator that can read the pack dependencies and (non-decrapped) Store content.


Huzzah! That is exactly what I need! Thanks a bunch!
I don't mind running executables. I can just pop it on a VM.
None of my stuff is decrapified or such. I don't believe in it, tbh.

P.S.: As for the notepad or such open: I will forget to jot shit down in it, and I think the only icon I can always remember is Into the Future, as I hate it (except for the build pieces. They rock). XD
Lab Assistant
Original Poster
#4 Old 6th May 2026 at 1:04 PM
Oh...my... god!
I love you. I think it might have issues with store content by now, since it only shows them as 21 unknown packages, but boy, is this already a start.
I can probably keep track of those for most part, if I really have to. I might not get the set names right, but who cares.

Screenshots
Lab Assistant
#5 Old 6th May 2026 at 3:14 PM
This tool seems really useful. Does it only work on sims3pack files?
Lab Assistant
Original Poster
#6 Old 6th May 2026 at 3:31 PM
Quote: Originally posted by herrbrecht
This tool seems really useful. Does it only work on sims3pack files?


Yes, but as was mentioned above, you can go the manual route with a .package file, reading it out in S3PE or such.
Lab Assistant
#7 Old 6th May 2026 at 3:36 PM
Thanks for the clarification!
Lab Assistant
Original Poster
#8 Old 6th May 2026 at 3:48 PM
Quote: Originally posted by herrbrecht
Thanks for the clarification!


I tried on some .package files, but they gave me zero result. Maybe I just picked the wrong ones, but I think it is just not meant to do that.
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