Morse Code Translator

Free Online Morse Code Translator

This bidirectional Morse code translator converts plain text into Morse code instantly, and Morse code back into plain text. Type or paste in either box, click ▶ Play as audio to hear the result at any speed (5–40 WPM), and use the reference card below to learn each letter. Everything runs in your browser — your text is never uploaded.

How Morse Code Works

Morse code, developed in the 1830s by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail, encodes each letter, digit, and punctuation mark as a sequence of dots (·) and dashes (−). Letters are separated by spaces; words by a forward slash /. The international standard timing uses the word "PARIS" — at X words per minute, the basic unit is 1200 / X milliseconds. Our player uses exactly this standard.

How to Use This Translator

To convert text to Morse: pick the "📝 Text → Morse" tab, type in the left box, and the Morse appears on the right. To convert Morse to text: switch to "🔁 Morse → Text", paste the Morse with dots/dashes separated by single spaces and words separated by /, and read the decoded message. The ⇆ Swap button flips direction. The Play as audio button beeps each dot/dash at the speed you choose, so you can practice listening.

Common Morse Code Examples

• SOS = ... --- ... — the universal distress signal
• HELLO = .... . .-.. .-.. ---
• OK = --- -.-
• LOVE = .-.. --- ...- .
• 73 = --... ...-- — amateur radio for "best regards"

Where Morse Code Is Still Used

• Amateur radio — operators worldwide still use Morse (CW mode) because it cuts through noise where voice can't
• Aviation — VOR navigation aids identify themselves with Morse station IDs
• Maritime emergencies — SOS remains universally recognised
• Education — STEM and signal-processing classes teach Morse as a simple encoding example
• Accessibility — some assistive devices for people with severe motor disabilities use Morse input
• Geocaching, puzzles, escape rooms — Morse appears constantly in these

Morse Code Timing Rules (international standard)

• A dot (·) is 1 time unit long
• A dash (−) is 3 time units
• Space between elements of the same letter = 1 unit
• Space between letters = 3 units
• Space between words = 7 units

Higher WPM = shorter time unit. At 15 WPM, one dot = 80 ms. At 30 WPM, one dot = 40 ms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you convert text to Morse code?

Look up each letter in the Morse alphabet table (A=·−, B=−···, etc.), write the corresponding dots and dashes with single spaces between letters, and use a slash / between words. The tool above does this instantly for you.

What is SOS in Morse code?

SOS is ... --- ... — three dots, three dashes, three dots, with no gaps between them. It was chosen for its simplicity and unmistakable rhythm, not because the letters stand for anything.

What does ·−·· ··· mean?

Read each letter from the table: ·−·· = L, ··· = S. So ·−·· ··· = "LS". Paste any Morse you find into the translator above to decode it instantly.

Can I save the Morse audio?

The tool generates audio on the fly via the Web Audio API. To save it, use your operating system's audio recorder while the playback runs.

Is this translator accurate?

Yes — it uses the international (ITU) Morse code standard, covering all 26 letters, 10 digits, and the most common punctuation. It does NOT include American Morse (the older variant used briefly in 19th-century US telegraphy).