: Unlike mesh formats (like STL), STEP files use NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) to represent 3D geometry as exact mathematical curves rather than faceted triangles.
: Files retain "solid" information, allowing users to modify faces and features in a new program, which is significantly easier than editing a raw mesh. 3D Step Files
: Beyond geometry, they can store assembly hierarchies, part relationships, and sometimes metadata like material properties or tolerances. What are STEP files and how do you open them? - Adobe : Unlike mesh formats (like STL), STEP files