Input
Output
Audio Playback
International Morse Code Reference
Letters
Numbers
Punctuation
About Morse Code
Morse code is a method of encoding text characters using sequences of dots (·) and dashes (−). Developed by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail in the 1830s, it was originally used for telegraph communication. Each letter, number, and punctuation mark has a unique pattern. The most famous Morse code signal is SOS (··· −−− ···), the international distress signal.
Complete Guide to Morse Code
Free Online Morse Code Translator
Convert any text to Morse code or decode Morse code back to readable text instantly. Perfect for amateur radio operators, students, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about this historic communication method. Free, fast, and completely private — all conversions happen in your browser.
How Morse Code Works
Morse code represents each character with a unique combination of short signals (dots, written as "·") and long signals (dashes, written as "−"). A dash is three times the length of a dot. Characters are separated by spaces, and words are separated by a slash (/) or longer pause. For example:
Key Features
Text to Morse Encoding
- Convert any text to International Morse Code
- Letters A-Z, numbers 0-9, punctuation
- Real-time conversion as you type
- Audio playback of the Morse signal
- Adjustable playback speed (slow/medium/fast)
Morse to Text Decoding
- Decode Morse code back to readable text
- Flexible input with standard notation
- Space-separated characters, / for words
- Validates Morse sequences automatically
- Instant results with error feedback
History of Morse Code
Morse code was developed in the 1830s by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail for use with the electric telegraph. It became the standard for long-distance communication and was widely used in maritime communication, aviation, and military operations. The International Morse Code, standardized in 1865, is still used today by amateur radio operators and in emergency signaling.
Common Use Cases
- Amateur (ham) radio communication
- Learning Morse code for licensing exams
- Emergency signaling (SOS)
- Historical and educational purposes
- Encoding secret messages for fun
- Accessibility — used in assistive technology
Morse Code Timing Rules
- A dot (·) is 1 time unit
- A dash (−) is 3 time units
- Gap between parts of the same letter: 1 time unit
- Gap between letters: 3 time units
- Gap between words: 7 time units