Sims 4 ReShade Tutorial 2023: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve been looking for a powerful tool to enhance your game graphics, you’re in the right place!

Today, we’re diving into the vibrant colors of the ReShade mod with the help of this easy step-by-step Sims 4 ReShade tutorial.

If you’ve been searching for a powerful tool to transform your game graphics from decent to dazzling, you’ve come to the right place.

Today, I’ll guide you through the installation and usage of ReShade, a post-processing utility that’s been a favorite among many people in the Sims community for a long time.

So, are you thrilled to give your Sims 4 game a total makeover? 😍

This post is all about the Sims 4 ReShade tutorial.

What Is ReShade?

ReShade is a post-processing utility that can transform the overall game look of the game. In simple terms, it can tweak the electronic arts look of your game after it’s already been processed.

Think of it as an Instagram filter for your game graphics, changing color saturation and depth of field, giving the overall game look a vibrant, real life, muted (or any other!) feel.

However, instead of just one filter, think of it as a collection of standard effects you can mix and match. Sounds exciting, right?

Imagine your Sims 4 game with more vibrant colors, bright colors that pop, and an overall aesthetic pleasing to the eye. That’s what ReShade does.

No wonder different people have been using this for a long time!

How To Download And Install Sims 4 ReShade

I will walk you through the whole process step-by-step.

If you are a visual learner, check out an amazing YouTube tutorial at the end of my instructions (it takes around 40 minutes to watch, but you will see the whole process in detail).

Step 1. Check for the Sims 4 updates

Before we start, ensure you have the game’s latest version. Older versions might not work as smoothly with this mod.

Step 2. Go to the official ReShade website

You can download ReShade using the following link here.

This is the official site where you can safely download the latest ReShade version. I can’t stress enough how important it is to only download from trusted sources to avoid malware.

Step 3. Download ReShade

Once you’re on the site, click on the download button to start the download (I’d recommend you choose the option with add-on support).

You’ll see a short warning about a possible ban in multiplayer games if using the ReShade – this is fine if you are playing the Sims!

The folder for ReShade installation depends on your computer’s system type (you can see that under the System Information).

If your system type is x64-based, the Bin folder is your go-to folder for ReShade. If your system time is older (x32-based), use the Bin_LE folder.

Step 4. Install ReShade

Run the program you just downloaded (you will usually find it in your Downloads folder; however, it depends on your computer’s settings).

There will be a prompt asking you to select a game.

If you have installed the Sims 4 via Origin or EA App:

Click on “Browse…”
Navigate to your Program Files (x86) > Origin Games > The Sims 4 > Game > Bin folder and select the TS4_x64.exe file or Bin_LE folder with the TS4.exe file (depending on your system’s type, see in the highlight above).

If you have installed the Sims 4 via Steam:

Go to the Steam app > Library > The Sims 4
Right click> Manage > Browse local files
Open the Game folder and select the .exe file in either Bin or Bin_LE folder(based on your computer’s system type, see the highlight above for instructions).

If your installation directory is not the standard one I referred to above, find your Sims 4 game folder by right-clicking on the game’s icon and choosing “Open file location.”
You will be transferred to the installation directory.

Heads up: keep the Bin folder open; we will need it later in the process again!

Step 5. Select the rendering API

Next, you will see several API options. The Sims 4 uses DirectX 9.

Step 6. Select a preset to install

You must provide the installation wizard with a ReShade preset (they come as .ini files). Download a preset (see below on how to do that) and navigate to the file.

Now, I have a whole blog post about the best ReShade presets out there. Check it out, choose the one you love the most, and download it as an .ini file.

If you don’t have time for it right now, here are some very popular presets you can choose from:

Slip Shady Sims 4 preset: This preset is all about soft, dreamy vibes. It gives your game a pastel-toned glow, perfect for those lazy Sunday afternoons.
October Mist Sims 4 preset: With this preset, every day in your Sim’s world can be a crisp autumn day. Think of cool colors, soft lighting, and a sprinkle of magic.
Starry Dust Sims 4 preset: This preset is for you if you love night skies and twinkling stars. It turns your game into a starry dreamscape, perfect for those late-night gaming sessions.
Summer Pop Sims 4 preset: This preset is all about vibrant colors and bright lights. It’s like a summer festival in your Sim’s world.

Step 7. Choose your effects

You’ll then be asked to select the collection of standard effects.

It’s up to you to choose the effects you like. I usually check them all for the best Sims experience.

After choosing the effects, click OK and finish the installation process. There should be a new reshade-shaders folder and some other ReShade files in your Bin (or Bin_LE) folder now.

Step 8. Create your presets folder

Go back to your Bin (or Bin_LE) folder, create a new folder, and name it “reshade-presets“.

Move all your downloaded presets (.ini files) into this newly created folder. These files contain your ReShade configurations.

Step 9. Start your Sims game

Be prepared for a longer loading time the first time you open the Sims 4 with ReShade installed.

Keep calm and get a cup of tea while you are waiting! 🫖 It’s taking THAT LONG only during the first load (the waiting time will depend on your computer).

How To Configure Sims 4 ReShade

After you’ve installed ReShade, it’s time to get down to business. Sims 4 ReShade offers many customization options, so check them out and play around with the settings!

Here’s how to do that:

Step 1. Open the ReShade menu

To start configuring your ReShade, you must open the configuration mode.

Once you come to the game screen, press the default key (usually the Home key) on your keyboard (on some computers, you may need to press the Fn button as well).

This will bring up the ReShade configuration mode, your one-stop shop for all things customization. Here, you can toggle different settings, adjust the look of your game, choose different styles, and even save your own presets!

Step 2. Choose the preset for the game

Navigate to your newly created reshade-presets folder (or a different destination folder). Enter the path to the folder to the field at the top of the screen (it is located right under the menu: Home, Add-ons, Settings, Statistics, Log, and About).

Choose a preset you’d like to use in the game and click on it.

Now, you will see a list of preselected shaders for this preset. You can play around with them and turn them on or off if you wish.

Step 3. Configure the global ReShade settings

Change to the Settings tab in the menu at the top of the screen.

This is where the magic happens!✨ You can adjust the look of your game by fiddling with the various options, general, and screenshots settings for all ReShade-related activities.

What’s most important here is to set the overlay key (that’s the first shortcut option under the General settings). That’s the key you will often use if you plan on switching between different presets or playing with the shaders.

So make sure it’s convenient for you to use it!

Step 4. Performance mode

Now, if you’re using an older computer, don’t worry. ReShade has got you covered with its Performance Mode. It optimizes your system’s game, ensuring you get the best possible visuals without taxing your hardware too much.

To switch on Performance Mode, simply check the box in the settings tab (you will see a checkbox for the performance mode at the bottom right corner of the ReShade menu, next to the Reload button).

So, even if you’re using an older version of the game or computer, you can still enjoy the enhanced graphics that ReShade provides ✨

And there you have it! These are the basics of configuring your Sims 4 ReShade. Remember, experimenting and having fun is the key to getting the most out of ReShade!

YouTube Tutorial For Visual Learners

Here is a great video tutorial if you’d like to see how everything works IRL!

Using Sims 4 ReShade Presets

Now, what are these presets, you ask?

Presets are like pre-made recipes for your game’s visuals. They’re custom settings that other players have created and shared, allowing you to easily change the look and feel of your game with just a few clicks.

It’s like having a personal stylist for your Sim’s world!

So, how do you use these presets?

It’s simple. All you need to do is download the preset file of your choice and drop it into your reshade-presets folder (of course, you can use the same old Bin-folder, but I prefer being a bit more organized 🤓).

Make sure to thoroughly follow all the installation instructions, as every preset is unique!

Then open the ReShade configuration mode with the default button you set during the configuration stage (or the default “Home” key) and select the preset you’d like to switch to.

Voila! You’ve got a brand-new look for your game.

And the best part? Each preset creates a different mood in your Sims game. Want a cozy winter evening vibe? There’s a preset for that. In the mood for a spring morning? There’s a preset for that too! The possibilities are endless.

So, go ahead, and give these presets a try. After all, who doesn’t love a good makeover?

Sims 4 ReShade Tips & Tricks

Finally, I’ve got some handy tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your ReShade presets. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Backup is Your Best Friend
Before you begin this exciting journey, back up your game files. It’s like having a safety net – if anything goes awry, you can always restore your game to its original state.

✨ Performance issues ✨
As we talked about earlier, if you’re using an older computer, you might want to enable Performance Mode to reduce the strain on your system.
Alternatively, you can uncheck the heaviest shaders on your system: MXAO (a shadow shader) and SMAA (an edge smoothing shader).

Keep Your Shaders Updated
This is a biggie. To avoid compatibility issues, ensure you have all the shaders required by your preset in your shader folder. Also, remember that presets made with outdated ReShade versions may not work as expected.

Try Multiple Presets
Did you know there are presets for different times of the day? That’s right! You can have one preset for mornings, another for afternoons, and another for evenings. It’s like giving your game a wardrobe full of outfits!

Capture the Moment: Want to show off your Sim’s new look? Press the print screen key on the keyboard (or the shortcut you have set up in ReShade’s settings) to take a screenshot. It’s like having a personal photographer for your Sim’s world! And remember that photoshoot presets are usually different from gameplay presets!

Give GShade a Try
If you’re looking for an extra layer of depth and realism, try GShade presets. They’re designed to enhance the game’s visuals even further.

Remember, It’s All About Fun: Last but not least, remember to have fun! Experimenting with ReShade presets is about exploring new looks and finding the best for you. So don’t be afraid to change settings and shaders and try something new.

How To Install Sims 4 ReShade On Mac?

Unfortunately, ReShade is primarily designed for Windows, making installation on Mac rather difficult.

If you are tech-savvy (or up for a challenge), you can use Bootcamp, a utility that allows you to run Windows on your Mac, to use ReShade effectively.

If using Bootcamp or similar system-altering software is not an option, there are alternatives to ReShade you might consider. One ReShade alternative for ac in Sims 4 is the better in-game lighting mod by Northern Siberia Winds.