Morse Code Decoder & Translator

Learn Morse Code

Morse code represents text with short and long signals called dots and dashes (a dot is one unit, a dash is three). International Morse code assigns a unique pattern of dots and dashes to every letter, digit, and common punctuation mark, which is what lets this tool act as both a Morse code decoder and a Morse code generator for radio, signaling practice, and historical telegraphy.

How to Decode or Translate Morse Code

1. Choose a direction: Select Text to Morse or Morse to Text depending on the conversion you need.
2. Enter text or Morse code: Type normal text or paste Morse code dots and dashes into the input field.
3. Read or play the result: Copy the converted output or play it as Morse code audio with adjustable speed and tone.

Decode Morse Code to Text

Use the Morse code decoder when you already have dots and dashes and need readable text. Separate letters with spaces and use a slash for word breaks, for example ···· · ·−·· ·−·· −−− / ·−− −−− ·−· ·−·· −·· decodes to HELLO WORLD.

Text to Morse Code Translator

The text to Morse code translator converts plain English letters, numbers, and supported punctuation into Morse code. It is useful for writing practice messages, checking Morse alphabet patterns, and preparing strings for audio playback.

Morse Code Alphabet Chart

The table below is the full International Morse code alphabet (A-Z) and numbers (0-9) supported by the translator. Use it as a quick Morse code chart while you decode or learn the letters.

Morse Code Numbers & Punctuation

Beyond A-Z and 0-9, the translator also supports the most common punctuation marks. This is the part of the Morse code chart people most often look for, since punctuation is missing from many basic alphabet tables.

Common Morse Code Examples

Looking up the Morse code for a specific word? Here are a few worked examples you can paste straight into the tool:

• SOS: ··· −−− ··· (the universal distress signal)
• HELLO: ···· · ·−·· ·−·· −−−
• LOVE: ·−·· −−− ···− ·
• YES: −·−− · ···
• NO: −· −−−
• HELP: ···· · ·−·· ·−−·
• OK: −−− −·−
• 2024: ··−−− −−−−− ··−−− ····−

Common Uses of Morse Code

Although it dates back to the 1830s telegraph, Morse code is still used and learned today. Popular uses include:

• Amateur (ham) radio: operators send continuous-wave (CW) transmissions that punch through noise and weak signals where voice cannot.
• Emergency signaling: SOS can be flashed with a torch, mirror, or whistle when no other communication is available.
• Aviation and maritime navigation: aids and beacons still identify themselves by transmitting their callsign in Morse.
• Accessibility: Morse input lets people with limited mobility type using just two switches or taps.
• Scouting and education: a classic skill for badges, pioneering, and learning signaling fundamentals.
• Geocaching and puzzles: dots and dashes are a favourite way to hide clues and coordinates.
• Tattoos and jewelry: names and meaningful words are engraved as discreet Morse code dots and dashes.

Morse Code Questions, Answered

What is SOS in Morse code? SOS is the international distress signal, written ··· −−− ··· (three dots, three dashes, three dots). It was chosen because the pattern is simple, continuous, and unmistakable; it is not an abbreviation for any phrase.

How long does it take to learn Morse code? Most beginners can recognise the full alphabet in a few weeks of short daily practice. Learning by sound rather than by memorising the chart, and starting at a higher character speed with longer gaps, is the fastest route to fluency.

Is Morse code still used today? Yes. It remains popular in amateur (ham) radio as continuous-wave (CW) transmission, is still used by aviation and maritime navigation beacons to broadcast their identifiers, and serves as an accessibility input method.

What is the Morse code for numbers? Each digit 0-9 uses a five-signal pattern, from −−−−− for 0 to a mix of dots and dashes for 1-9. See the numbers row in the alphabet chart and the numbers and punctuation section above for the full set.

Private Browser Conversion

Your Morse code conversions happen entirely in your browser. The decoder, translator, visual output, and audio playback run client-side, so your text is not sent to a server.