Morse Code Translator

Morse Code Translator — Instant Text to Morse Code Converter

Our free Morse code translator converts any text into Morse code instantly as you type — and works in reverse too. Whether you need to encode a secret message, decode a received transmission, or just explore how Morse code works, this tool handles it all with zero delay and zero signup required.

How to Use This Morse Code Translator

Translating Text to Morse Code

Type or paste any text into the left panel. The Morse code equivalent appears in the right panel in real time. Each letter is represented by its dot-and-dash sequence separated by a space. Words are separated by a forward slash (/) following standard Morse code formatting.

Translating Morse Code to Text

Click the Swap button to reverse the direction. Now paste your Morse code into the left panel — use spaces between letters and a slash (/) between words — and the plain text translation appears instantly on the right.

What Is Morse Code?

Morse code is a communication system that encodes text characters as standardized sequences of short signals (dots) and long signals (dashes). Developed in the early 1830s by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail for use with the electric telegraph, Morse code became the backbone of long-distance communication for over a century.

Each letter of the alphabet and each digit 0–9 has a unique Morse code sequence. For example, SOS — the universal distress signal — is ... --- ... (three dots, three dashes, three dots). Morse code is still used today in amateur (ham) radio, aviation, and assistive technology for individuals who cannot use standard keyboards.

Morse Code Alphabet Chart

Use this reference chart to manually verify any translation:

Morse Code Formatting Rules

Standard Morse code uses the following formatting conventions this tool follows:

• Dot (.)— a short signal, also called a "dit"
• Dash (-)— a long signal, also called a "dah" (three times the length of a dot)
• Space between letters — a single space separates the code for each letter
• Slash (/) between words — a forward slash with spaces on either side separates words in the encoded message

Common Uses of Morse Code Today

While the telegraph era is long over, Morse code remains relevant in several fields:

• Amateur (ham) radio — Morse code proficiency is still practiced and tested in the amateur radio community worldwide
• Aviation — VOR and NDB navigation beacons broadcast their station identifiers in Morse code
• Assistive technology — Morse code input allows individuals with motor disabilities to communicate using a simple two-switch interface
• Emergency signaling — SOS (... --- ...) remains the internationally recognized distress signal
• Education and puzzles — Morse code appears in escape rooms, ciphers, and STEM education worldwide

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SOS look like in Morse code?

SOS is ... --- ... — three dots, three dashes, three dots. It was chosen as the international distress signal because it is simple, distinctive, and easy to remember.

Is Morse code the same in every language?

The International Morse Code standard (ITU) covers the 26 Latin letters and digits 0–9. Extensions exist for accented characters used in other languages, but the core alphabet covered by this translator is universally recognized.

How fast can Morse code be transmitted?

Experienced operators can send and receive Morse code at 20–30 words per minute. The world record for receiving Morse code is over 75 words per minute.

What is the difference between dots and dashes in Morse code?

A dot (dit) is a short signal. A dash (dah) is a long signal equal to three dots in duration. Together they form unique sequences for each character in the Morse alphabet.