Morse Code Translator
Convert text to Morse code and decode Morse code back to text instantly. Free, private, runs entirely in your browser.
Morse Code Quick Reference
| Letter | Morse | Letter | Morse | Digit | Morse |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | ·− | N | −· | 0 | −−−−− |
| B | −··· | O | −−− | 1 | ·−−−− |
| C | −·−· | P | ·−−· | 2 | ··−−− |
| D | −·· | Q | −−·− | 3 | ···−− |
| E | · | R | ·−· | 4 | ····− |
| F | ··−· | S | ··· | 5 | ····· |
| G | −−· | T | − | 6 | −···· |
| H | ···· | U | ··− | 7 | −−··· |
| I | ·· | V | ···− | 8 | −−−·· |
| J | ·−−− | W | ·−− | 9 | −−−−· |
| K | −·− | X | −··− | ||
| L | ·−·· | Y | −·−− | ||
| M | −− | Z | −−·· |
How Morse Code Works
Morse code uses short signals (dots ·) and long signals (dashes −) to represent letters, digits and punctuation. Letters within a word are separated by a single space; words are separated by a slash / or three spaces. Originally transmitted by telegraph, Morse code is still used in amateur radio, maritime communication, and accessibility tools.
Timing rules for transmitted Morse (audio or light signals):
- A dot = 1 unit of time.
- A dash = 3 units of time.
- Gap between dots and dashes within a character = 1 unit.
- Gap between letters in a word = 3 units.
- Gap between words = 7 units.
The History of Morse Code
Morse code was developed in the 1830s and 1840s by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail for use with the electric telegraph — the first long-distance communication technology. The original American Morse code was refined into International Morse Code in 1865, which standardised the encoding for global use and is the version in use today.
Morse code enabled near-instantaneous long-distance communication for the first time in history, transforming journalism, military operations, railroad logistics, and transatlantic business. The invention of the wireless radio in the 1890s extended Morse code to ships and aircraft, where it remained the primary communication system until the late 20th century.
SOS: The Universal Distress Signal
SOS (··· −−− ···) is the internationally recognised distress signal. It was chosen not because of its letters but because of its distinctive, easily recognisable pattern: three short, three long, three short. It replaced the earlier CQD signal in 1908 and remains the standard maritime and aviation emergency signal today.
The pattern is transmitted as a continuous sequence without letter gaps, making it unmistakably different from any normal communication. SOS in Morse is one of the most recognised sequences in the world.
Morse Code in Modern Use
While largely replaced by digital communication, Morse code remains in active use:
- Amateur (ham) radio — Morse code (CW mode) is valued for its ability to communicate over long distances with low-power transmitters, even when voice transmission is impossible due to interference. Many amateur radio operators still learn and use it.
- Aviation — VOR and NDB navigational beacons transmit their identifiers in Morse code. Pilots can listen to identify a beacon even if they cannot read the identifier display.
- Assistive technology — Morse code is used as an accessibility input method for people with limited mobility. Single-switch Morse code input allows full text entry using one or two physical switches.
- Military — Some military units maintain Morse code proficiency as a backup communication method that requires minimal equipment.
- Emergency signalling — SOS can be signalled with light, sound, or any repetitive signal, making it useful in survival situations when electronic equipment is unavailable.