Morse Code Translator: Encode and Decode Text to Morse Online
Morse code is a method of transmitting text information as a series of on-off signals using dots and dashes. Invented by Samuel Morse in the 1830s for use with the electric telegraph, it became one of the most important communication systems in history. Our free online Morse code translator lets you convert any text to Morse code and decode Morse back to readable text instantly.
Each letter of the alphabet, each numeral, and several punctuation marks are represented by a unique sequence of dots (short signals) and dashes (long signals). A dash is three times the duration of a dot. Letters within a word are separated by short pauses, while words are separated by longer pauses. This elegant system allowed messages to be sent across telegraph wires and, later, via radio waves.
Morse code played a critical role in maritime communication, military operations, and early aviation. The famous SOS distress signal (... --- ...) became universally recognized. Even today, Morse code remains relevant in amateur radio (ham radio), emergency signaling, and accessibility tools for people with limited mobility who can communicate using simple binary inputs.
Our Morse code tool supports the full International Morse Code standard, including all 26 letters, digits 0-9, and common punctuation marks. The built-in audio playback feature uses the Web Audio API to generate authentic beep tones at your chosen speed, measured in words per minute (WPM). The visual display shows each dot and dash graphically, making it easy to learn and verify Morse code patterns.
Whether you are studying for a ham radio license, teaching students about communication history, building an escape room puzzle, or simply curious about this timeless encoding system, our tool provides everything you need. Convert text to Morse, decode Morse to text, listen to the audio output, and explore the visual representation of each character — all for free, with no signup required.