Morse code translator
Convert text to Morse code or decode Morse code back to text. Play audio to hear the beeps.
Ctrl + L clear | Ctrl + Shift + C copy output
How Morse code works
Morse code represents letters and numbers as sequences of short and long signals called dots and dashes. A dot is a short signal and a dash is a long signal — three times the length of a dot. Letters within a word are separated by a pause equal to three dots. Words are separated by a pause equal to seven dots. This system was invented by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail in the 1830s for use with the electric telegraph.
In this translator dots are shown as a period character and dashes as a hyphen. Letters within a word are separated by spaces and words are separated by a forward slash. For example "Hello World" becomes ".... . .-.. .-.. --- / .-- --- .-. .-.. -.. ".
What is SOS in Morse code
SOS is the internationally recognized distress signal in Morse code. It is written as ... --- ... meaning three dots, three dashes, three dots. SOS was chosen as the universal distress signal in 1906 not because it stands for any particular phrase but because it is the simplest pattern to transmit and recognize under difficult conditions. It is sometimes remembered as "Save Our Ship" or "Save Our Souls" but these are retroactive interpretations.
Learning Morse code
The best way to learn Morse code is through audio — hearing the rhythm of dots and dashes rather than reading them visually. Use the Play audio feature to listen to any text converted to Morse code. Start with simple words at slow speed and gradually increase. Most people find it easier to learn common letters first — E (one dot), T (one dash), I (two dots), A (dot dash) — before moving to more complex patterns.
Common uses for Morse code today
Amateur radio operators still use Morse code and a license exam often tests Morse proficiency. Aviation uses Morse code to identify navigational beacons. Military and emergency communications retain Morse code as a backup system. Assistive technology uses Morse code input for people with limited mobility. Puzzle makers and escape room designers use Morse code as an encoding system for clues and challenges.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert text to Morse code?
Select Text to Morse mode and type or paste your text. The Morse code appears instantly. Letters are separated by spaces and words by a forward slash.
What do dots and dashes mean in Morse code?
A dot is a short signal and a dash is a long signal three times the length of a dot. Each letter has a unique pattern — A is dot-dash, B is dash-dot-dot-dot.
What is SOS in Morse code?
SOS is ... --- ... — three dots, three dashes, three dots. It is the international distress signal chosen for its simplicity.
Can I listen to the Morse code audio?
Yes. Click Play audio after converting text to hear the Morse code as beeps. Choose Slow, Normal, or Fast speed using the speed selector.
What characters are supported?
All 26 letters, digits 0-9, and common punctuation including period, comma, question mark, exclamation mark, and apostrophe. Unsupported characters are skipped.