Tool

Tools are programs which are used outside The Sims series games often used to manipulate in-game Custom content or Neighborhoods.

There are many user-created tools available made by the Sims community, but EA has also launched a few official tools.

Official tools
The Sims 2 and The Sims 3 both feature game launchers.

The Sims

 * The Sims Eraser
 * SimShow Skins
 * HomeCrafter
 * FaceLift & FaceLift Gold
 * ArtStudio
 * FileCop
 * Menu Edit
 * Hot Date Object Organizer
 * Make-a-Date
 * The Superstar Make-a-Celebrity

The Sims 2

 * Body Shop, formally known as 'CaSIE' (Create-A-Sim Independent Editor)
 * Content Manager
 * HomeCrafter+

The Sims 3
A stand-alone version of the new Create a Sim was available prior to the game's launch for people who had pre-ordered it.
 * Create a World
 * Create a Pattern

The EADM (Electronic Arts Download Manager) could be considered a tool aswell.