Morse Code Translator

What is a Morse code translator?

A Morse code translator converts ordinary text into Morse code and decodes Morse code back into readable text. Morse code represents every letter, number, and punctuation mark as a pattern of short signals called dots (.) and long signals called dashes (-). This free online translator converts instantly, plays the result as sound, flashes it as a light, and includes the full Morse code alphabet chart below.

How to use this Morse code translator

1. Choose a direction: Text → Morse to encode, or Morse → Text to decode.
2. Type or paste into the box — the result updates as you type.
3. Tap a quick phrase (SOS, HELP, I LOVE YOU…) to load it instantly.
4. Press Play sound to hear the Morse code and watch the light flash. Drag the Speed slider to change the pace (words per minute).
5. Use Swap to reverse the translation, or Copy to save the result.

How to write Morse code for decoding

When decoding, separate each letter with a single space and each word with a slash (/) or three or more spaces. For example, .... . .-.. .-.. --- decodes to “hello”.

Morse code alphabet chart

Here is the complete International Morse Code chart — the alphabet A–Z, the numbers 0–9, and common punctuation. Each letter is a unique combination of dots and dashes.

SOS in Morse code

The most famous Morse signal is SOS: ... --- ... — three dots, three dashes, three dots. It is sent as one continuous sequence without the usual gaps between letters, which makes it fast to send and instantly recognisable. SOS was adopted as the international distress call because the pattern is simple and hard to mistake; it does not actually stand for “save our ship” or “save our souls” — those are later backronyms. Tap the SOS quick phrase above to hear it.

How to write numbers in Morse code

Every digit uses exactly five symbols and follows an easy pattern. The numbers 1–5 start with dots and fill in with dashes, while 6–0 start with dashes:

• 1 = .---- · 2 = ..--- · 3 = ...-- · 4 = ....- · 5 = .....
• 6 = -.... · 7 = --... · 8 = ---.. · 9 = ----. · 0 = -----

Common words and phrases in Morse code

A few phrases people look up most often — all available as quick-load buttons above:

• HELP = .... . .-.. .--.
• I LOVE YOU = .. / .-.. --- ...- . / -.-- --- ..- — popular for Morse code jewellery and gifts
• HELLO = .... . .-.. .-.. ---
• YES = -.-- . ... · NO = -. ---

Morse code with sound and light

Morse code was designed to be sent over channels that only carry on/off signals — a telegraph key, a radio tone, or a flashing lamp. This translator recreates both: the Play sound button generates the audio tones in your browser, and the indicator flashes like a signal lamp in perfect sync. Use the speed slider to practise at anything from a gentle 5 words per minute up to a brisk 30.

How to learn and read Morse code

The fastest way to learn Morse code is to learn it by sound, not by memorising the chart. Start with a few high-frequency letters (E, T, A, N), listen to them at a comfortable speed, and add more gradually. Reading Morse means recognising each dot-and-dash pattern as a single rhythm rather than counting symbols. Use the quick phrases and the speed slider above to train your ear.

How Morse code timing works

Morse code is built on a single time unit. A dot is one unit long and a dash is three units. The gap between dots and dashes within a letter is one unit, the gap between letters is three units, and the gap between words is seven units. The audio and light in this tool follow these standard proportions.

A quick history of Morse code

Morse code was developed in the 1830s and 1840s for the electric telegraph and named after Samuel Morse. The modern International Morse Code, which this translator uses, standardised the letters, numerals, and punctuation still recognised today.

Is my text private?

Yes. This Morse code translator runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is uploaded or stored, and the sound is generated locally on your device, so it works even offline.