How to Convert Text to Morse Code

Enter a word, sentence, name or number into the Text box. The translator changes supported characters into International Morse Code as you type. A space separates letters in the Morse Code output. A slash separates words.

How to Convert Morse Code to Text

Type dots and dashes into the Morse Code box. Put a space between letters. Separate words with a slash. For example …..-…-… /.–..-..-.. -.. Decodes to HELLO WORLD.

What does a dot and dash mean?

A dot is a signal and a dash is a long signal in International Morse Code. The same patterns can be shown by light electrical pulses or similar making Morse Code useful when normal communication is unavailable.

International Morse Code Alphabet

The following table includes Morse Code letters that are supported by this translator.

Letter	Morse	Letter	Morse
A	.-	N	-.
B	-…	O	.
C	-.-.	P	.–.
D	-..	Q	–.-
E	.	R	.-.
F	..-.	S	…
G	–.	T	–
H	….	U	..-
I	..	V	…-
J	.—	W	.–
K	-.-	X	-..-
L	.-..	Y	-.–
M	—	Z	–..

Morse Code Numbers and Punctuation

Character	Morse	Character	Morse
0	—–	5	…..
1	.—-	6	-….
2	..—	7	–…
3	…–	8	—..
4	….-	9	—-

Common punctuation includes period.-.-.-, comma –..– question mark..–.. apostrophe.—-. slash -..-. equals sign -…-. The full set of supported characters is handled by the code table built into this translator.

What is Morse Code?

Morse Code is a communication system that turns letters, numbers and punctuation into patterns of signal elements. The dots and dashes of Morse Code are usually shown by long sounds or by short and long flashes of light.

Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail created the telegraph system in the 1830s and 1840s. The codes now known as International Morse Code came from the system and were later standardized for international use.

International Morse Code vs. American Morse Code

International Morse Code is the dialect that most modern learners and radio operators call Morse Code. American Morse Code (sometimes called Railroad Morse) was a system. This translator uses International Morse Code.

Morse Code Timing: Dits, Dahs and Spacing

Timing is a part of Morse Code. Morse Code timing is measured in time units. A dot takes one unit. A dash takes three units. There is one unit of space between the elements of a character three units between characters and seven units between words.

Morse Code Speed and WPM

Code speed is often measured in words per minute (WPM). The word PARIS is used as a reference for code timing. Many new Morse Code students find it helpful to learn character recognition at a character speed with more space between characters.

Farnsworth Timing

Farnsworth timing keeps the character speed while making the space between characters and words. This lets learners build character recognition instead of the harder process of counting each dot and dash.

Common Morse Code Examples

Phrase	Morse Code
SOS	…. …
HELLO	……-…-…
HELP	……-…–.
THANK YOU	–…..- -. -.- / -.–…-
GOOD MORNING	–.. — -.. /. —.-. -… -. –.

What does SOS mean?

SOS is the recognized distress call in Morse Code. It is three dots, three dashes and three dots: …. …. The letters SOS are not an expansion of Morse Code; the phrase Save Our Souls was a popular interpretation that appeared later.

How to learn Morse Code

• Practice a bit every day instead of trying to cram in long practice sessions.
• Learn to identify whole Morse Code characters by ear instead of trying to count dots and dashes.
• Use comfortable character speeds with Farnsworth spacing if slow Morse Code seems unnatural or too difficult.
• Practice receiving and sending; Morse Code copying is a different skill, than reading a chart.
• Start by learning the common letters. Then slowly learn to recognize numbers, punctuation marks, callsigns and entire words.
• Use the playback controls on the Morse code translator until you can identify words and phrases with ease.

How long does it take to learn Morse code?

It depends on the individual. There are no fixed rules about learning Morse code. Most students who practice every day for a months can develop basic receiving skills. Daily practice is more important than practice sessions. A 20 or 30 minute practice session days will help you reach a useful level of Morse code proficiency sooner.

Frequently asked questions about Morse code

Is Morse code used today?

Yes. Morse code is still used in radio, historical recreations, accessibility tools, signaling, puzzles and many other areas.

Can I use this Morse code translator on a phone?

Yes. The Morse code translator works with mobile browsers. The controls are optimized for use so the small text entry area does not become too tiny.

Why does the Morse code translator show a # symbol?

A hash symbol means that there is no Morse code for that character. This can happen with characters, many emojis and other special symbols.

Why does Morse code decoding show a question mark?

A question mark means that the Morse code you entered does not match any known character in the Morse code table. You might have missed a dot or a dash or a space that separates letters or words.

What is the difference, between Morse code and binary code?

Binary code usually uses two states to encode information. Binary information can be represented in ways, including Morse code. Most binary code systems use a 0 and 1 format to represent data.