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Morse Code Converter

Translate text to Morse code and decode Morse back to text instantly. Perfect for ham radio operators, educators, puzzle creators, and curious minds.

Text to encode / Morse code to decode

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Result

Your Morse code result will appear here.

How Morse Code Works

Each letter and digit maps to a unique pattern of short signals (dots ·) and long signals (dashes —). Letters are separated by a space; words are separated by a forward slash (/).

A = ·— B = —··· C = —·—· S = ··· O = ———

SOS = ··· ——— ···

"HELLO" = ···· · ·—·· ·—·· ———

Morse Code Today

Beyond amateur radio, Morse code appears in assistive communication devices for people with motor disabilities, emergency beacons, escape room puzzles, nautical signaling, and pop culture references from film to music.

How to Use the Morse Code Converter

The same box is used for both directions. To encode, type plain text and click Text → Morse. To decode, paste Morse code and click Morse → Text. The result appears below and can be copied with one click.

The Input Format

Use dots (.) and dashes (-) for each letter.
Put a space between letters.
Put a forward slash (/) between words, with a space on each side.

Worked Examples

Encode: SOS help @ → ... --- ... / .... . .-.. .--. / ?

Decode: ... --- ... / .... . .-.. .--. → sos help

Notice the "@" came out as "?". The converter supports the letters A–Z, the digits 0–9 and four punctuation marks: full stop, comma, question mark and exclamation mark. Any other character is shown as a question mark so you can see exactly where it could not be converted. Decoded text is always in lowercase, because Morse code carries no capital letters.

How Morse Timing Works

If you are going to tap out a message on a torch, a key or a buzzer, the standard timing is based on a single unit. A dot lasts one unit and a dash lasts three. The gap between parts of one letter is one unit, the gap between letters is three units, and the gap between words is seven units. The text this tool produces only shows the symbols and the gaps between letters and words, so you add the timing yourself when you send.

Tips

If decoding gives question marks, check that letters are separated by spaces and words by slashes. Running letters together without spaces is the most common cause.
Some Morse sources use a different character for the dash, such as a long dash (–) or an underscore. Replace them with an ordinary hyphen before decoding.
To spell out a call sign or code in speech rather than signals, try the NATO Phonetic Alphabet tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morse code?

Morse code is a method of encoding text as a sequence of short ("dot") and long ("dash") signals. Developed in the 1830s by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail for telegraph communication, it remains relevant today in amateur radio, aviation, and emergency signaling.

How do I decode Morse code?

Paste your Morse code sequence into the input field using dots (.) and dashes (-), with spaces between letters and forward slashes (/) between words, then click "Morse → Text." The tool translates each symbol sequence back to its corresponding letter.

What is the SOS signal in Morse code?

SOS is ... --- ... (three dots, three dashes, three dots). It is the internationally recognized distress signal chosen because it is easy to transmit and recognize, not because of any word abbreviation.

Is Morse code still used today?

Yes. Amateur radio (ham radio) operators worldwide still use Morse code. It is also required knowledge for some aviation licenses, used in military communications, and embedded in assistive technologies for people with disabilities.

Why do I see question marks in my Morse output?

A question mark is shown in place of any character the converter does not support. It handles letters, digits and the punctuation marks . , ? ! only.

Can I decode Morse that uses different separators?

The decoder expects spaces between letters and a slash between words. If your Morse uses other separators, such as double spaces or a vertical bar, replace them first.

Related Tools

Dive into the history of Morse code, the SOS signal, and its surprising modern uses.

Read the full guide →