Morse Code Translator – Convert Text to Morse Code & Back
Translate text to Morse code and decode Morse code to text instantly. Learn the international Morse code alphabet, hear audio playback, and create encrypted-looking messages. Free online tool with copy functionality.
What Is Morse Code?
Morse code is a method of encoding text using sequences of dots (.) and dashes (-), originally developed for telegraph communication in the 1840s. Each letter, number, and some punctuation marks have unique patterns. Though largely obsolete for practical communication, Morse code remains important for emergency signaling, amateur radio, and cultural references.
Morse Code Alphabet
Letters A-Z
| Letter | Morse | Letter | Morse |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | .- | N | -. |
| B | -... | O | --- |
| C | -.-. | P | .--. |
| D | -.. | Q | --.- |
| E | . | R | .-. |
| F | ..-. | S | ... |
| G | --. | T | - |
| H | .... | U | ..- |
| I | .. | V | ...- |
| J | .--- | W | .-- |
| K | -.- | X | -..- |
| L | .-.. | Y | -.-- |
| M | -- | Z | --.. |
Numbers 0-9
| Number | Morse |
|---|---|
| 0 | ----- |
| 1 | .---- |
| 2 | ..--- |
| 3 | ...-- |
| 4 | ....- |
| 5 | ..... |
| 6 | -.... |
| 7 | --... |
| 8 | ---.. |
| 9 | ----. |
Common Punctuation
| Symbol | Morse |
|---|---|
| . (period) | .-.-.- |
| , (comma) | --..-- |
| ? (question) | ..--.. |
| ' (apostrophe) | .----. |
| ! (exclamation) | -.-.-- |
| / (slash) | -..-. |
How to Use This Tool
Text to Morse
- Enter plain text (letters, numbers, basic punctuation)
- View the Morse code translation instantly
- Copy the dots and dashes to share
Morse to Text
- Enter Morse code (separate letters with spaces, words with "/" or "|")
- View the decoded plain text
- Copy the translation
Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional | Text ↔ Morse conversion |
| Audio Playback | Hear the Morse code (where supported) |
| Copy Function | One-click copy to clipboard |
| Error Handling | Invalid input warnings |
| Full Character Set | Letters, numbers, punctuation |
Common Use Cases
Education
- Learning Morse code for amateur radio licensing
- History lessons about telecommunications
- STEM activities about encoding systems
- Cryptography introductions
Emergency Preparedness
- SOS signal (... --- ...) recognition
- Backup communication understanding
- Survival skills training
- Scout/guide badge requirements
Amateur (Ham) Radio
- Required knowledge for licensing exams
- CW (continuous wave) communication practice
- DXing and contest operation
- Emergency communication networks
Creative & Fun
- Secret messages between friends
- Escape room and puzzle design
- Jewelry with encoded messages
- Unique social media posts
- Tattoo designs with personal meaning
Famous Morse Code Signals
| Signal | Morse | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| SOS | ... --- ... | International distress |
| CQ | -.-. --.- | Calling any station |
| 73 | --... ...-- | Best regards |
| 88 | ---.. ---.. | Love and kisses |
Why SOS?
SOS doesn't stand for "Save Our Ship" or "Save Our Souls"—it was chosen because ... --- ... is easy to recognize and transmit. The letters themselves are meaningless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morse code still used today?
Yes! Amateur radio operators use Morse code worldwide. It's also used for accessibility (some assistive devices), aviation navigation beacons, and emergency signaling.
How fast can Morse code be transmitted?
Experienced operators can send and receive 20-40 words per minute. The world record exceeds 75 WPM.
What do the dots and dashes represent?
Dots (dit) are short signals; dashes (dah) are three times longer. The ratio is standardized in International Morse Code.
Can I learn Morse code?
Yes! Start with common letters (E, T, A, O, N) and build from there. Many apps and audio courses are available. With practice, you can learn to decode by ear.
Is there audio with this tool?
Audio playback availability depends on your browser's capabilities. The tool generates tones for dots (short) and dashes (long).
How do you separate words in Morse?
Words are separated by longer pauses (7 dot-lengths) or visually by "/" or "|". Letters are separated by shorter pauses (3 dot-lengths) or spaces.
Morse Code Timing Standards
| Element | Duration |
|---|---|
| Dot | 1 unit |
| Dash | 3 units |
| Intra-character gap | 1 unit |
| Inter-character gap | 3 units |
| Word gap | 7 units |
At 12 WPM, one unit ≈ 100 milliseconds.
History of Morse Code
- 1837: Samuel Morse develops original American Morse Code
- 1848: Friedrich Gerke creates more efficient version
- 1865: International Morse Code standardized
- 1999: GMDSS replaces Morse for maritime distress
- Present: Still used by amateur radio enthusiasts worldwide
Pro Tips
- Learn by sound — Morse is faster to learn aurally than visually
- Start with E and T — The simplest codes (. and -)
- Practice daily — Short sessions are more effective than cramming
- Use mnemonics — Many letters have memory aids
- Join a community — Amateur radio clubs welcome newcomers
Related Tools
Explore more encoding and translation tools:
- Binary Encoder/Decoder — Text to binary
- Base64 Converter — Base64 encoding
- Pig Latin Translator — Word game
- Hex Encoder — Hexadecimal
- Hash Generator — Create hashes
Translate text to Morse code above. Great for learning, emergency preparedness, amateur radio, and creating unique encoded messages.