Released: April 2010 Developer: Adobe Systems Platform: Windows & Mac OS X
9/10 Lost a point for the Mac 32-bit debacle and the eventual obsolescence. Gained eternal respect for introducing Content-Aware Fill and perfecting the non-destructive workflow. Adobe Photoshop CS5 Extended Full version
When Adobe launched the Creative Suite 5 (CS5) line, the world was still transitioning from film to digital, and "retouching" still often meant a physical darkroom. CS5 Extended didn't just change the game; it rewrote the rulebook. A decade and a half later, it remains a landmark release—a perfect storm of power, polish, and paradigm-shifting innovation. It’s crucial to note this is the Extended version, not the standard CS5. The standard version was for photographers and graphic designers. The Extended version added 3D, motion, and advanced image analysis tools. This made it a darling for scientists, architects, medical professionals, and VFX artists who couldn't afford Autodesk Maya. The Star of the Show: Content-Aware Fill If you remember only one thing about CS5, it’s Content-Aware Fill . Before 2010, removing a tourist from a vacation photo meant hours of cloning and healing. After CS5? You made a rough selection around the tourist, hit Delete > Content-Aware , and watched Adobe work literal magic. CS5 Extended didn't just change the game; it