Morse Code Translator

Translate text to Morse code and Morse code back to text. Listen to the audio beeps.

Morse separators: space between letters, / between words. Example: .... . .-.. .-.. --- / .-- --- .-. .-.. -..

How It Works

Type your text to see the Morse code equivalent instantly. Switch to Morse-to-text mode to decode dots and dashes. Use the Play button to hear the Morse code as audio beeps using the Web Audio API.

Morse code is a method of encoding text as sequences of dots (short signals) and dashes (long signals). Developed by Samuel Morse in the 1830s, it was the first digital communication protocol and remained the standard for long-distance communication for over 150 years.

**How Morse Code Works**

Each letter, digit, and common punctuation mark is represented by a unique pattern of dots and dashes:
- A dot (dit) is a short signal
- A dash (dah) is a long signal, three times the duration of a dot
- A space between elements of one letter: 1 dot duration
- A space between letters: 3 dot durations
- A space between words: 7 dot durations

**Common Morse Codes**

- A: .- | B: -... | C: -.-. | D: -.. | E: . | F: ..-. | G: --. | H: ....
- S: ... | O: --- | SOS: ... --- ... (the international distress signal)
- 1: .---- | 2: ..--- | 3: ...-- | 4: ....- | 5: .....

**Historical Significance**

Morse code was revolutionary — enabling communication across continents via telegraph cables decades before telephone. It was standardized internationally and used for maritime communication, aviation, and military operations throughout the 20th century.

**Modern Uses**

Though largely replaced by digital communication, Morse code is still:
- Used by amateur (ham) radio operators worldwide
- Required knowledge for certain radio licenses
- Used in accessibility tools (tapping patterns)
- Taught in survival training
- Used in lighthouses and beacons

**Audio Playback**

Our tool uses the Web Audio API to generate actual Morse code audio — press Play to hear your message encoded as beeps. This helps learners develop their ear for receiving Morse code.

**Privacy**

All translation and audio generation happens in your browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Morse code was developed by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail in the 1830s for use with the electric telegraph. International Morse Code was standardized in 1865.
SOS is ... --- ... (three dots, three dashes, three dots). It was chosen as the international distress signal because it is simple and distinctive, not because it stands for any specific phrase.
Yes. Amateur (ham) radio operators still use Morse code. It is also used in aviation, some maritime communications, and accessibility applications. Many countries still require Morse knowledge for certain radio licenses.
Experienced operators can send and receive at 20–30 words per minute. The world record for Morse reception is over 75 words per minute.
Absolutely. Type letters to see their Morse patterns, then use the audio playback to train your ear. Practice the most common letters (E, T, A, I, N, O, S) first.