Morse Code Translator
Translate text to Morse code and Morse code to text. International standard, supports letters, numbers, punctuation.
What is Morse Code?
Morse code is a method of encoding text using sequences of short signals (dots, written as ‘.’) and long signals (dashes, written as ‘-‘). Invented by Samuel Morse in the 1830s for telegraph transmission, it’s still used in aviation, amateur radio (ham radio), maritime navigation, and emergency signaling. The letter ‘A’ is ‘.-‘, ‘S’ is ‘…’, ‘O’ is ‘—‘. The famous SOS distress signal is ‘… — …’. This translator converts text to Morse and Morse back to text, plus plays the result as audio (Web Audio API tones) so you can hear what the message sounds like. Perfect for amateur radio practice, scout/cadet training, escape room puzzle building, signal-flag drills, and pure curiosity.
How to use this tool
- Choose direction — Text → Morse or Morse → Text.
- Type or paste input — Letters for encoding, or Morse symbols (./- separated by spaces) for decoding.
- View result instantly — Conversion happens as you type.
- Play audio (optional) — Click play to hear the Morse code at standard 20 WPM rate.
- Copy result — One-tap copy — paste into amateur radio logs, training materials, or escape room clues.
Morse code chart
Common letters:
A .- H .... O --- V ...- B -... I .. P .--. W .-- C -.-. J .--- Q --.- X -..- D -.. K -.- R .-. Y -.-- E . L .-.. S ... Z --.. F ..-. M -- T - G --. N -. U ..-
Numbers:
0 ----- 3 ...-- 6 -.... 9 ----. 1 .---- 4 ....- 7 --... 2 ..--- 5 ..... 8 ---..
Timing rules:
- Dot = 1 unit
- Dash = 3 units
- Gap between symbols within a letter = 1 unit
- Gap between letters = 3 units
- Gap between words = 7 units
Examples
- SOS (universal distress): … — …
- HELLO: …. . .-.. .-.. —
- YES: -.– . …
- 73 (ham radio for ‘best regards’): –… …–
- CQ (calling any station, ham radio): -.-. –.-
- Your name in Morse: for example VIDHAATA = …- .. -.. …. .- .- – .-
Tips & best practices
- Practice listening with audio playback — reading dots and dashes is harder than hearing rhythm
- Start with high-frequency letters: E (.), T (-), A (.-), I (..) cover most words
- Standard speed is 20 WPM — many beginners practice at 5-10 WPM until rhythm clicks
- Memorize ‘SOS’ (… — …) first — universally recognized distress call
- Use Morse for escape room puzzles — players love decoding sound clues
- Ham radio operators still use Morse (CW mode) for long-distance, low-power transmissions
- International Morse Code is the standard — old American Morse Code (different for some letters) is obsolete
Limitations & notes
This converter uses International Morse Code only (the worldwide standard). Letters with accents (á, ö, é) and non-Latin scripts (Chinese, Arabic) have no standard Morse equivalent. Audio playback works at standard 20 WPM; not adjustable in current version. Punctuation supported but rare punctuation (curly braces, special symbols) has no Morse code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between dots and dashes?
A dot is a short tone (1 unit of time). A dash is a longer tone (3 units). The pattern of dots/dashes uniquely identifies each letter.
Is SOS really used for emergencies today?
Yes — ships, aviation, search & rescue still recognize SOS (… — …). Even without radio, you can signal with light flashes or whistle blasts in this pattern.
Why do ham radio operators still use Morse?
Morse code (CW — Continuous Wave) works at very low power with poor antennas, cuts through interference, and propagates farther than voice. Useful for emergency comms and DXing (long-distance contacts).
How fast can experts copy Morse?
Professional military operators reach 50+ WPM. Average ham radio operators copy 20-30 WPM after years of practice.
Can I use Morse for secret messages?
Not really — it’s a well-known code, not encryption. Anyone with a Morse chart decodes instantly. Use real encryption for privacy.
What does ’73’ mean in Morse?
73 is amateur radio shorthand for ‘best regards’ — sent at end of conversations. 88 means ‘love and kisses’ (used informally).
Can I use Morse code to flash an SOS signal?
Yes — flash a light: 3 short, 3 long, 3 short, with pauses. Universally recognized as SOS distress signal.