How to use the Morse Code Translator
- Type text or paste Morse code. Auto-detect works out which way to translate, or pick a direction yourself.
- Read or copy the translation on the right. Unsupported characters are listed under the input.
- Set the speed in words per minute and the tone, then press Play sound. Tick Flash light to see the signal too.
- Click Download WAV to save the audio, or click letters in the alphabet table to hear them one by one.
Features
- Two-way translation with automatic detection
- International Morse letters, digits and common punctuation
- Audio playback with speed from 5 to 40 WPM and adjustable tone
- Optional flashing light synced to the sound
- Download the signal as a WAV audio file
- Clickable alphabet table for learning by ear
A short history
Morse code was developed in the 1830s and 1840s by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail for the electric telegraph. The version used today is International Morse Code, standardized by the International Telecommunication Union. It encodes each letter and digit as a pattern of short signals (dots, or “dits”) and long signals (dashes, or “dahs”). Common letters get short codes: E is a single dot and T a single dash.
Timing rules
Morse is a rhythm, and all timing is measured in units of one dot:
| Element | Length |
|---|---|
| Dot | 1 unit |
| Dash | 3 units |
| Gap between dots and dashes in a letter | 1 unit |
| Gap between letters | 3 units |
| Gap between words | 7 units |
Speed is measured in words per minute using the standard word PARIS, which is exactly 50 units long including the gap after it. One unit therefore lasts 1,200 ÷ WPM milliseconds: at 20 WPM a dot is 60 ms, and at 5 WPM it is 240 ms. The audio and WAV download follow these rules exactly.
Writing Morse as text
In written Morse, letters are separated by a space and words by a slash, so “HI MOM” becomes .... .. / -- --- --. When decoding, this translator also accepts a vertical bar or three spaces between words, and the dot and dash look-alikes · • − – — that appear when Morse is copied from documents. A code it does not recognize is shown as � so you can spot typing mistakes.
Morse has no lowercase, so the translation is in capitals. Accented letters are converted to their plain form, and characters with no Morse equivalent, such as # or emoji, are skipped and listed under the input.
About SOS
The distress signal SOS is three dots, three dashes, three dots: ... --- .... Strictly, it is sent as one continuous pattern without the usual gaps between letters, which is called a prosign. It was chosen because it is easy to send and recognize, not because the letters stand for anything.
Learning Morse code
- Learn by sound, not by sight. Experienced operators recognize each letter as a rhythm. Counting dots and dashes from a chart is slow and becomes a habit that is hard to break.
- Try the Koch method. Start with just two letters at a fairly high character speed, around 15–20 WPM, and add a new letter each time you reach about 90% accuracy.
- Use extra spacing at first. Farnsworth timing sends each letter at full speed but stretches the gaps between them, giving you time to think while still hearing the true rhythm.
- Practice little and often. Ten minutes a day beats an hour once a week.
Click the letters in the alphabet table to hear each one, and use the speed slider to keep letters fast while you learn. For another way to see how text is encoded, try Text to Binary.
Frequently asked questions
How do I separate words in Morse code?
Put a space between letters and a slash between words, like .... .. / - .... . .-. . for “HI THERE”. The translator also accepts | or three spaces as word breaks.
What speed should a beginner use?
Keep the character speed reasonably quick, around 15–20 WPM, so you learn each letter as a sound, and give yourself more time between letters rather than slowing the letters down.
Why does the decoded text contain � symbols?
That code does not match any Morse character, usually because of a missing space between letters or an extra dot or dash. Check the spacing in your input.
Can I download the Morse code audio?
Yes. Click Download WAV to save the signal at the current speed and tone. Messages longer than ten minutes of audio need to be split or played faster.
What is SOS in Morse code?
Three dots, three dashes and three dots (... --- ...). It is traditionally sent as one continuous signal without the usual gaps between letters.