The primary appeal of the Extended version over the standard edition lies in its advanced capabilities for 3D design and motion content. While standard Photoshop CS5 handled photo editing with ease, the Extended edition introduced the Adobe Repousse tool. This allowed users to create 3D logos and artwork from any text layer or selection. It featured a dedicated 3D engine that enabled designers to twist and extrude objects while applying realistic textures. For architects and medical professionals, it also provided specialized tools for image analysis and measurement.

While subsequent versions have refined this AI technology, the debut in CS5 was the "moon landing" moment. It democratized retouching, allowing intermediate users to achieve results that previously required a master retoucher. It marked the beginning of Adobe’s heavy investment in computational photography and automated image analysis.

Performance saw a massive jump in this version thanks to full 64-bit support. This allowed the software to utilize more than 4GB of RAM for the first time. It resulted in smoother handling of massive high-resolution files and complex 3D renders. The introduction of the Puppet Warp tool also changed how users manipulated images. By placing pins on an object, users could bend and stretch elements with remarkable control. You could adjust the position of a limb or straighten a horizon with ease.