A Morse code translator instantly converts any text into dots and dashes, and decodes Morse code back into readable text. Whether you are a ham radio operator, a student learning about telecommunications history, or just curious about how it works, our free online Morse code translator handles both directions in real time.
What is Morse Code?
Morse code is a method of encoding text characters as sequences of short signals (dots, written as .) and long signals (dashes, written as -). It was developed by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail in the 1830s and 1840s for use with the electrical telegraph. Despite being nearly 200 years old, Morse code is still used today by amateur radio operators and in some aviation and maritime contexts.
Each letter and digit has a unique pattern:
- A →
.- - B →
-... - S →
... - O →
--- - SOS →
... --- ...
Words are separated by a longer pause (represented as / in text notation).
How to Use the Morse Code Translator
- Choose the direction - select "Text to Morse" to encode a message, or "Morse to Text" to decode dots and dashes back to letters.
- Enter your input - type a sentence for encoding, or paste a Morse code string using
.,-, and spaces as separators for decoding. - Read or copy the result - the translation appears in real time. Use the copy button to grab the output.
Common Use Cases
- Learning and practicing Morse code for amateur radio (HAM) licensing
- Sending hidden messages in creative writing or puzzle design
- Exploring telecommunications history for educational projects
- Checking Morse code translations for movie or game props
- Translating emergency signals for educational purposes
- Generating Morse patterns for LED flashers or sound projects
Frequently Asked Questions
What symbols can I encode in Morse code? Standard Morse code supports the 26 Latin letters (A–Z), the digits 0–9, and a set of punctuation marks including period, comma, question mark, exclamation mark, and a few others. Characters not in the Morse alphabet are typically skipped.
What does "SOS" look like in Morse code?
... --- ... - three dots, three dashes, three dots. Despite being written together, in practice there is no character spacing within the SOS signal, making it one of the most recognizable distress signals.
How do I separate words when typing Morse code for decoding?
Use a single space to separate characters within a word, and a forward slash / (or double space) to separate words. For example: ... --- ... for SOS, or .... .. / - .... . .-. . for "HI THERE".
Is Morse code still used today? Yes, primarily in amateur radio (HAM radio) communications, where it remains an optional but respected mode. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) maintains the official international Morse code standard.
Use the Morse Code Translator free, no sign-up required.