International Morse Code Translator
Convert text into International Morse code and decode dots and dashes back into readable text. Use this translator to write messages, practise signals, play audio, flash light patterns, or check a word in International Morse.
Type your message, paste Morse code, or try an example such as SOS, HELLO, I LOVE YOU, or HELP ME.
Need Japanese kana? Use the Wabun 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 International Morse code alphabet.
What is an International Morse code translator
An International Morse code translator converts Latin letters, numbers, and punctuation into sequences of short and long signals called dots and dashes. It can also decode International Morse code back into text when the code is formatted correctly.
For example:
| Text | International Morse code |
|---|---|
| SOS | ... --- ... |
| HELLO | .... . .-.. .-.. --- |
| I LOVE YOU | .. / .-.. --- ...- . / -.-- --- ..- |
International 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 International Morse code converter
Our International 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-International-Morse-code and International-Morse-code-to-text features.
How to translate text to International Morse code
Type your message in the Text box. Click Encode or let the tool convert it automatically. Copy the International 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 - International Morse code:
... --- ...
How to decode International Morse code to text
Paste International 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:
- International Morse code:
.. / .-.. --- ...- . / -.-- --- ..- - Text:
I LOVE YOU
International Morse code spacing rules
Correct spacing is the most common reason International 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 International Morse code into this translator, write a space between letters and a slash between words.
Play International Morse code as audio, light, or vibration
International 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 International Morse code on your screen, or use vibration on supported mobile devices.
Popular International Morse code examples
| Phrase | International Morse code |
|---|---|
| SOS | ... --- ... |
| HELP | .... . .-.. .--. |
| HELLO | .... . .-.. .-.. --- |
| THANK YOU | - .... .- -. -.- / -.-- --- ..- |
| I LOVE YOU | .. / .-.. --- ...- . / -.-- --- ..- |
| HAPPY BIRTHDAY | .... .- .--. .--. -.-- / -... .. .-. - .... -.. .- -.-- |
Explore more examples in our International Morse code phrases collection.
Learn the International Morse code alphabet
Every letter and number has its own International Morse code pattern. Shorter patterns are often assigned to common letters, such as E as . and T as -.
View the full International Morse code alphabet to learn letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and common symbols.
Common questions
Can this tool translate International Morse code both ways?
Yes. You can convert text to International Morse code and decode International Morse code back to text.
What symbols should I use for International 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 International Morse code audio?
Yes. After converting your message, press Play to hear the International 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 International Morse code alphabet
- Browse International Morse code phrases
- Create Morse code cards
- Send International Morse code with light