Morse Code Translator
-- --- .-. ... . -.-. --- -.. .
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Convert text into International Morse code and decode dots and dashes back into readable text. Use this free Morse code translator to write secret messages, practice Morse signals, play audio, flash light patterns, or check the spelling of any word in Morse code.
Type your message, paste Morse code, or try an example such as SOS, HELLO, I LOVE YOU, or HELP ME.
Morse Code Translator
What is Morse Code
Morse code is a timeless communication method that uses a standardized sequence of two different signal durations, called dots(.) and dashes(-) (or dits and dahs), to represent letters, numbers, and punctuation. Originally developed for the telegraph in the 1830s, it remains a vital tool for emergency signaling, amateur radio enthusiasts, and aviation.
You can find the complete correspondence in the Morse code alphabet.
What is a Morse code translator
A Morse code translator converts letters, numbers, and punctuation into sequences of short and long signals called dots and dashes. It can also decode Morse code back into text when the code is formatted correctly.
For example:
| Text | Morse code |
|---|---|
| SOS | ... --- ... |
| HELLO | .... . .-.. .-.. --- |
| I LOVE YOU | .. / .-.. --- ...- . / -.-- --- ..- |
Morse code can be sent by sound, light, vibration, tapping, or radio signals. This tool helps you convert and play those signals directly in your browser.
How to use this morse code converter
Our Morse code converter makes this historic language accessible to everyone, allowing you to encode and decode messages instantly.
Using our tool is the fastest way to bridge the gap between plain text and telegraph signals. Whether you are a hobbyist or need a quick translation, follow these simple steps to use our text to Morse code and Morse code to text features.
How to translate text to Morse code
Type your message in the Text box. Click Encode or let the tool convert it automatically. Copy the Morse code from the output box. Press Play to hear the signal as audio. Use Flash or Vibrate to send the same pattern visually or physically.
Example:
- Text:
SOS - Morse code:
... --- ...
How to decode Morse code to text
Paste Morse code into the Morse Code box. Use a dot (.) for a short signal and a dash (-) for a long signal. Put one space between letters. Use / between words. Read the decoded text in the Text box.
Example:
- Morse code:
.. / .-.. --- ...- . / -.-- --- ..- - Text:
I LOVE YOU
Morse code spacing rules
Correct spacing is the most common reason Morse code does or does not decode properly.
| Element | Timing rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dot | 1 unit | . |
| Dash | 3 units | - |
| Gap inside a letter | 1 unit | between . and - in .- |
| Gap between letters | 3 units | space between .... and . |
| Gap between words | 7 units | / between words |
When typing Morse code into this translator, write a space between letters and a slash between words.
Play Morse code as audio, light, or vibration
Morse code is not only written as dots and dashes. It can also be heard as tones, seen as flashes, or felt as vibrations.
Use the audio player to hear dits and dahs. Adjust WPM to make the signal slower for beginners or faster for practice. Use the light mode to blink Morse code on your screen, or use vibration on supported mobile devices.
Popular Morse code examples
| Phrase | Morse code |
|---|---|
| SOS | ... --- ... |
| HELP | .... . .-.. .--. |
| HELLO | .... . .-.. .-.. --- |
| THANK YOU | - .... .- -. -.- / -.-- --- ..- |
| I LOVE YOU | .. / .-.. --- ...- . / -.-- --- ..- |
| HAPPY BIRTHDAY | .... .- .--. .--. -.-- / -... .. .-. - .... -.. .- -.-- |
Explore more examples in our Morse code phrases collection.
H2: Learn the Morse code alphabet
Every letter and number has its own Morse code pattern. Shorter patterns are often assigned to common letters, such as E as . and T as -.
View the full Morse code alphabet to learn letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and common symbols.
Common questions
Can this tool translate Morse code both ways?
Yes. You can convert text to Morse code and decode Morse code back to text.
What symbols should I use for Morse code?
Use a dot (.) for a short signal and a dash (-) for a long signal. Separate letters with spaces and words with /.
Does SOS mean “Save Our Souls”?
Not originally. SOS is best understood as an international Morse distress signal made of three short signals, three long signals, and three short signals. “Save Our Souls” and “Save Our Ship” are later memory phrases, not the original meaning.
Can I play Morse code audio?
Yes. After converting your message, press Play to hear the Morse code as audio. You can also adjust speed, pitch, and volume.
Does the translator store my messages?
No. The translation runs in your browser. Your message does not need to be uploaded to a server for conversion.
More Morse code tools
- Learn the Morse code alphabet
- Browse Morse code phrases
- Send Morse code with light