CC/Store content
Using objects in CAW and using objects in CAW’s Edit in Game mode (EIG) are two different things. In CAW itself, you will have access only to objects that are enabled for that usage, mostly world decorations, bridges, plants, spawners etc. In EIG you can work on lots like in build/buy mode in your game, with access to the build/buy catalogue, but not on the world itself.
CAW will read everything installed via Launcher. So all your store content and CC installed as sims3packs will be processed by it, adding to its load. Only a very few items are enabled for CAW by default and can be used for world building though. To avoid that, use a vanilla The Sims 3 user folder during your world building sessions. Backup your user folder first, of course.
You can do so by renaming the The Sims 3 user folder to something else, then start the game. It may take a little longer since the game needs to make new folders and standard files, but when you shut down the game now you will have a new “vanilla” user folder with only standard files in there. You can add the most important things back from your old folder, like options.ini, mods you might need and the CC you want to use for making your world. You can switch between these two user folders by renaming them, using the one you just created for your CAW work and the other one for your regular gameplay. The game will always use the one with the correct name and ignore ones that have a different name.
If you want to use store content/CC make sure that you only install what you really need for world building. This excludes CAS items for example. Keep in mind though: Objects need to be enabled for use in CAW, most objects aren’t (this is true for CC as well as EA content). CC installed via launcher will be packed and exported with the world (except for store stuff obviously). If you want to use packages, you will have to set up a framework, similar to the mods folder in your user folder.
What about Super CAW?
Super CAW is a custom modded version of CAW which unlocks additional features. You will need to install CAW first. “Installing” Super CAW means to copy the modded executable into your CAW installation folder.
Download and installation guide at MTS: http://modthesims.info/t/468279 (first post only). Make sure you get the correct version for your patch level.
Advantages of Super CAW
- Unlocks the full build/buy catalogue, debug objects, props and all effects for usage in CAW.
- Allows you to change world types the simple way.
- Unlocks tools to shape your world even more according to your ideas, like custom heights, a pond tool or changing the terrain sculpting detail.
Disadvantages of Super CAW
- Many of the unlocked objects and effects shouldn’t be used at all for world building, e.g. the baby sim mesh. Best case they just won’t work, worst case they will mess up your game. As a rule of thumb, if you see an object that has an asterisk in front of its name or that isn’t translated into your language (for non-English installations) then it is not a good idea to use it.
- Even heavier on your computer and buggier, slower than CAW due to all the loading it has to do. Will crash more often.
- Usage of some of the features will heavily impact performance and playability of your world, like the vertex feature or the custom world heights.
So while Super CAW offers some useful features use at your own risk. If you install Super CAW make sure to first backup the installation folder: [Install Location] \Electronic Arts \The Sims 3 Create a World Tool. If things go wrong you can then restore the original version.
As you will have both executables in the installation folder, you can choose which version to run. My recommendation, especially for beginners, is to use CAW for most things and Super CAW only if you really need one of the additional features it offers.
A note for non-English speakers: If you have installed CAW in a different language than English, your CAW user data folder will be named in your language. Super CAW is not localized so it will always install in English. Hence it will create a new CAW user data folder with the English name “The Sims 3 Create A World Tool” next to your existing one. If you switch between the two tools you will have to either copy your current world projects from one folder to the other or navigate manually to the other folder each time you want to open your world.