Morse Code
Convert text to Morse code or decode Morse code back to text instantly. Free online Morse code translator with character breakdowns, signal duration charts, and shareable results.
Enter plain text to encode to Morse code, or dots (.) and dashes (-) to decode. Separate Morse letters with spaces, words with / (slash).
About This Calculator
The Morse Code Translator is a free online tool that converts plain text to Morse code (encoding) and Morse code back to plain text (decoding). It automatically detects whether your input is text or Morse signals — dots (.) and dashes (-) — and performs the correct translation instantly. Perfect for hobbyists, amateur radio operators, students learning Morse code, and anyone curious about this historic communication system.
Morse code was invented by Samuel Morse in the 1830s and 1840s for use with the telegraph. It works by representing each letter, digit, and punctuation mark with a unique sequence of short signals (dots) and long signals (dashes). The most famous Morse code message is SOS (... --- ...), the international distress signal. This translator uses the standard International Morse code alphabet and supports all 26 English letters, digits 0-9, and common punctuation.
Regional Notes
International Standard: The Morse code used by this translator follows the International Morse code standard (ITU-R M.1677-1), which is the same worldwide. There are no country-specific variations for the standard alphabet and digits.
Usage Worldwide: Morse code is used globally by amateur radio operators (ham radio), aviation enthusiasts, scouts, and emergency services. While no longer required for commercial maritime communication (replaced by GMDSS), it remains a popular skilled hobby with thousands of active operators across India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Morse Code translator work?
The Morse Code translator automatically detects whether you entered plain text or Morse code. Plain text is converted to dots and dashes using the standard International Morse code alphabet. Morse code input (dots, dashes, and spaces) is decoded back to readable text.
How do I separate words in Morse code?
Use a forward slash (/) to separate words when encoding or decoding Morse code. Letters within a word are separated by spaces, and words are separated by slashes.
What characters does the Morse code translator support?
The translator supports all 26 English letters (A-Z), digits 0-9, and common punctuation marks including period, comma, question mark, exclamation mark, slash, parentheses, ampersand, colon, semicolon, equals sign, plus, minus, underscore, quotation mark, and at sign.
Can I share my Morse code translation results?
Yes, the URL automatically saves your input text so you can bookmark or share the exact translation. Each translation is stored in the URL parameters for easy sharing.
Is the Morse code translator free to use?
Yes, the Morse code translator is completely free to use with no registration, downloads, or hidden charges. Use it online anytime on any device.
What is the difference between encoding and decoding Morse code?
Encoding converts readable text into Morse code (dots and dashes). Decoding converts Morse code signals back into readable text. This calculator automatically detects which mode to use based on your input.
Can I learn Morse code with this calculator?
Yes, the character-by-character breakdown table shows each letter alongside its Morse code equivalent, making it a great learning tool. The signal duration chart also helps visualize the timing differences between dots and dashes.
Why does SOS use the pattern ... --- ...?
SOS is the international distress signal consisting of three dots, three dashes, and three dots (... --- ...). It was chosen because it is simple, easy to remember, and unmistakable even in poor transmission conditions. It does not stand for any specific words.