I've done a few searches both on the forums and google and can't quite find clarification. I want to merge more of my CC, but I installed some of it via the launcher before I learned I could convert the files to packages. What does the launcher do with the sims3pack files and is there a way I can "recover" them so I can put them in my packages folder and merge my downloads more efficiently. Does the launcher just convert them to packages? I know worlds (and possibly lots) need to be installed via the launcher I'm looking for objects.

The files installed with the launcher is converted to dcdb0.dbc file, which you can find on path Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\DCCache. They are already combined, so you can stitch only those objects that are in the Mods folder. When stitching, be careful: don't touch game modifications and default replacements. Don't forget to make a backup if something goes wrong.

By the way! I remembered that if you haven't cleaned up the DCBackup folder, you can find copies (!) your files in the packages format. I'd recommend checking with S3PackageViewer, just to make sure they're all right.

Thanks Sara_Darkees! This was exactly what I was looking for. If I move the files from the DCBackup to my packages and then uninstall it via the launcher, will it stop showing up in my world?

As far as I know, these copies in the packages format are an alternative option, kindly thought out by the developers. If something doesn't appear after you have installed it from the launcher, you can give it a second chance by installing in the mods folder. Once you move everything you need to the Mods folder and get rid of CC using the launcher, everything should remain in place in the game. Objects will not be replaced by standard, and the characters will not be bald and tasteless dressed. But if you accidentally mess up something or forget, that's exactly what will happen, but don't worry, your game won't be ruined.