File conversion changes a file's format, like saving a DOCX as a PDF, altering how it's stored and opened. Editing modifies the content within the same format, such as changing text in the DOCX. To identify conversion, look for a changed file extension (e.g., ".jpg" instead of ".png"), altered software compatibility, or metadata inconsistencies. For edits, examine file properties showing last modified date/time, "Track Changes" features in documents, application history logs (like recent files or undo history), or the "Created" vs "Modified" metadata in file explorers.

Examples include using Adobe Acrobat's document properties to see if a PDF was converted from Word, or checking Photoshop's history panel for specific adjustments made to an image file. Digital photographers often rely on embedded EXIF data in JPEGs showing the camera model and capture date to confirm origin, while graphic designers verify file integrity through version history tools in software like Canva or Figma.

Identifying edits/conversions isn't always foolproof. Metadata can be stripped or falsified, formats like TXT lack rich history, and conversion might not change the "modified" date. Verification requires combining metadata scrutiny, comparison with originals, and contextual clues. This remains crucial for data provenance in fields like journalism (source verification) and software development (code changes). Future improvements may involve blockchain-like immutable logs.