Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →On PC and Mac, the most useful Sims 4 keyboard shortcuts let you control game speed, move the camera, switch Sims and work faster in Build Mode. This reference groups EA’s listed controls by task and flags the object-rotation difference when Sims 3 Camera is enabled. Console controls use a controller and are not covered here.
General and Live Mode controls
| Task | Keys or action | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Cancel or close | Esc | General |
| Open or close the cheat console | Ctrl + Shift + C | PC/Mac |
| Pause | P, 0 or ` | Live Mode |
| Set regular, fast or ultra speed | 1, 2 or 3 | Live Mode |
| Go to the next household Sim | Spacebar or N | Live Mode |
| Center the camera on the active Sim | Enter | Live Mode |
| Toggle Map mode | M | General navigation |
EA’s The Sims 4 tips and tricks page lists these PC/Mac hotkeys. For a specific Sim, click their portrait; to lock the camera to that Sim, right-click the portrait. Those two actions use the mouse rather than a keyboard shortcut.
Move and zoom the camera
| Camera task | Keys |
|---|---|
| Move left or right | Left/Right arrows or A/D |
| Move forward or backward | Up/Down arrows or W/S |
| Move faster | Hold Shift while using a camera-movement key |
| Zoom in or out | Z/X or +/− |
EA lists both arrow keys and WASD for camera movement, and both Z/X and the plus/minus keys for zoom. Use whichever layout feels natural on your keyboard.
Build Mode: placement, editing and view
| Task | Keys or action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undo / redo | Ctrl + Z / Ctrl + Y | Reverses or restores the last edit. |
| Rotate selected object | Comma / period | With the standard Sims 4 Camera, comma rotates counter-clockwise and period clockwise; each press turns the object 45°. |
| Delete selected object | Delete or Backspace | Applies to the selected item. |
| Place an object off-grid | Hold Alt while holding the object | Use while positioning an object. |
| Move an object to a slot | M | With a suitable object selected. |
| Toggle the grid | G | Build Mode. |
| Select the wall tool | B | Build Mode. |
| Toggle top-down view | T | Build Mode. |
Object rotation depends on the camera setting
EA Help’s object-rotation instructions describe selecting an object in Build Mode and pressing period to rotate clockwise or comma to rotate counter-clockwise, 45° per press. With the Sims 3 Camera enabled on PC, EA instead instructs players to hold the object with the mouse while pressing comma or period. If the keys do not rotate an object as expected, check which camera is active and follow the matching method.
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
- SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
- FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.
Create-a-Sim
| Task | Key |
|---|---|
| Go to the next Sim | Spacebar |
This is the keyboard shortcut listed for moving between Sims in Create-a-Sim.
Additional community-listed shortcuts
An older EA Forums community post lists the following extra Build/Buy controls. They are supplemental rather than a current official EA control table, so verify them in your game; key behavior may vary with context or updates.
Rank #2
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
| Task | Key |
|---|---|
| Eyedropper | E |
| Hand tool | H |
| Sledgehammer | K |
| Design tool | R |
| Toggle day/night in Build/Buy | L |
| Cycle grid snapping | F5 |
| Move whole house | U |
| Video recording | V |
| Screenshot | C |
| Change floors | Page Up / Page Down |
| Change wall display | Home / End |
PC/Mac keyboard and mouse controls are distinct from console controller controls. EA’s cheats FAQ explains the platform difference for cheat entry, while its PC/Mac requirements list keyboard and mouse input. Do not assume these keyboard shortcuts map directly to console buttons.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
Rank #4
- 【Dreamy Rainbow Gaming Keyboard】K521 Gaming Keyboard Adopts a Different LED Backlight Design, Upgraded on the Traditional LED Backlight Effect, Making the Light More Penetrating, Giving You a More Dazzling Visual Effect, Making Your Gaming Process More Enjoyable
- 【One Touch Opens & Visual Feast】The K521 Red Dragon Keyboard has a One-Touch on/off Lighting Button for Added Convenience. It also has a Three-Position Adjustable Breathing Mode and a Four-Position Adjustable Brightness Lighting Mode
- 【Mechanical Feeling & Fast Tapping】The PC Keyboard Keys are Designed for Mechanical Feeling, Giving You a Better Feel During Use and the Ability to Trigger Keys Quickly, Allowing You to Win All Your Games
- 【19 Keys Anti-Ghosting Keyboard】Anti-Ghosting Ensures Every Button Can Be Triggered. This Allows You to Trigger Key Combinations In The Game Accurately, And Each Skill Can Be Accurately Released to Increase Your Winning Rate. Redragon K521 Will Be Your Perfect Partner
- 【12 Multimedia Combination Keys】The K521 Wired Gaming Keyboard is Equipped with 12 Multimedia Keys That Can Greatly Enhance Your Gaming/Office Efficiency and Make It More Convenient to Use
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
