About this tool
Morse code is a method of encoding text characters as sequences of two different signal durations — short signals called dots (·) and long signals called dashes (−). It was developed in the 1830s by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail alongside the electric telegraph. The original American Morse Code was later revised into International Morse Code (now standardised as ITU-R M.1677-1), which is the version used globally today in amateur (ham) radio, maritime communication, and aviation.
In International Morse Code, each letter, digit, and punctuation mark has a unique dot-dash pattern. The standard defines timing rules: a dash equals three dots; the space between elements of the same letter is one dot; the space between letters is three dots; the space between words is seven dots. This tool follows these exact ITU specifications for accurate encoding and decoding.
This translator supports bidirectional conversion: (1) Text → Morse: enter any text and get instant Morse code with proper spacing; (2) Morse → Text: enter Morse using dots (.) and dashes (-), separating characters with spaces and words with "/" or three spaces. Additional features include audio playback at configurable WPM (words per minute), visual flash signaling for silent environments, and a complete reference chart for learning.
Common use cases: amateur radio operators practicing CW, scouts earning merit badges, escape room enthusiasts, maritime and aviation students, developers building Morse-related projects, and anyone learning this historic communication system.
Practical Usage Examples
Step-by-Step Instructions
Select the translation direction: "Text to Morse" or "Morse to Text".
Enter your text in the input box (for Text to Morse) or enter Morse code using dots (.) and dashes (-) for Morse to Text.
For Morse input, separate characters with a single space and words with "/" or three spaces.
Click "Translate" to see the result instantly.
Use the audio playback button to hear the Morse code at your chosen WPM.
Use the flash button for visual signaling.
Copy the result using the copy button.
Core Benefits
Bidirectional translation: Text ↔ Morse code with proper ITU spacing.
Audio playback at configurable WPM (5–40 words per minute).
Visual flash signaling for silent environments.
Complete ITU-R M.1677-1 reference chart included.
Supports letters, digits, punctuation, and prosigns.
100% client-side — your text never leaves your browser.
Free, no signup, works offline after first load.
Frequently Asked Questions
Morse code is a communication system that encodes text characters as sequences of dots (short signals) and dashes (long signals). It was developed by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail in the 1830s alongside the electric telegraph. The International Morse Code standard (ITU-R M.1677-1) is used globally today.
Each letter, digit, and punctuation mark has a unique dot-dash pattern. E is a single dot (·), T is a single dash (−), SOS is ···−−−···. To read Morse code, identify each group of dots and dashes separated by spaces and look up the character in the Morse alphabet table. Practice and familiarity build speed over time.
SOS in Morse code is ···−−−··· (three dots, three dashes, three dots). Contrary to popular belief, SOS does not stand for "Save Our Souls" or any other phrase — it was chosen in 1908 as an international distress signal because it is distinctive and simple to transmit and recognise.
Select "Morse to Text" mode and enter your Morse code using dots (.) and dashes (-). Separate each character with a single space and separate words with a forward slash (/) or three spaces. Example: ".... . .-.. .-.. ---" decodes to "HELLO".
Yes, in several contexts. Amateur (ham) radio operators still use Morse code, and some countries require it for certain licence grades. Aviation uses Morse code to identify VOR and NDB navigation aids — the station broadcasts its three-letter identifier in Morse. Some military and emergency services also maintain Morse capability.