So you want to mod Skyrim? I gave you the correct tools to use if you want to do it, with some explanation to them: (This is for the last version of Skyrim 1.7.104)
 

1. Creation Kit:
   The tool made by Bethesda to mod Skyrim, everybody that have modded Skyrim has used it, is useful for the most basic mod, to the biggest mods, so the Essential Tool, if you want to have a better experience with it, I suggest installing Creation Kit Platform Extended for Skyrim, don't use Unofficial Creation Kit Patch because the mod author has say this:

   Quote

   

   RashadDracula

   23 Jan 2026, 12:46PM

   Guys i have halted work on this mod, please dont use this mod with the latest version of the game, it will cause incompatibility issues.

   So just install the Platform Extender
    
2. SSEEdit:
   Tool to change plugins esp. esl or even esm of Skyrim, this can be easier to use for some task instead of Creation Kit, but can't do everything CK does, the biggest advantage is that can be used with Pascal scripts, so you can make automatic work faster,
   
   If you are using MO2, I suggest using this Arguments on the MO2 executable:

   Quote

   -IKnowWhatImDoing -AllowMasterFilesEdit -autoload -PseudoESL

   If you don't want to clean the overwrite every time, you can use the "Create Files in mod instead of overwrite" and use SSEDIT on MO2 or other trash-mod
3. LOOT
   This tool will correct the load order of your mods, so unless you know what exactly you are doing, I suggest using it blindly, and read the suggestions it gives You
    
4. BethINI
   This will let you change the Skyrim INI Configuration on a more visual and easy way
    
5. Sniff
   Really useful tool to check NIFs if you are modding Meshes, can help you if you have bugs or CTD in your mods, or to fix other Nifs
    
6. NifSkope(Use the NexusMods Verison)
   Tool to edit the Meshes of Skyrim and other Bethesda Games, is the start tool if you want to edit meshes, but not the only one
    
7. Cathedral Assets Optimizer
   Great mod for Textures and Meshes, I suggest read it careful, can be used to compress files to BSA too instead of using Archive.exe, the tool made by bethesda
    
8. Bethesda Archive Extractor (BSA and BA2)
   You can decompress the Skyrim mod files with this, light and easy to use
    
9. Papyrus Compiler App (PCA) SE
   The best way to compile Papyrus Scripts, but you still need CK or SSEDIT to attach them to plugins
    
10. Modex - A Mod Explorer Menu(Not updated to 1.7.104)
    Most complete mod to search items instead of using AddItem
     
11. BodySlide and Outfit Studio
    Works for edit Meshes, powerful tool
     
12. Pandora Behaviour Engine Plus
    The (for the moment) last mod to work with animations
     
13. More Informative Console
    To debug the game