Morse Code Converter
Convert text to Morse code (and back) with audio playback. Includes full ITU standard reference chart. 100% client-side.
11 chars
43 chars
Standard CW tone (700 Hz) with ITU timing.
📖 Morse Code Reference Chart
🔒 100% private: All conversion and audio generation happens in your browser. Your data never leaves your device.
About Morse Code Converter
Morse code is a method of encoding text using sequences of short and long signals — dots and dashes (or dits and dahs) — that can be transmitted via sound, light, or electrical pulses. Invented in the 1830s by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail for the telegraph, it became the first practical long-distance digital communication system. Today it remains in use among amateur radio operators, aviation (VOR beacons), navigation, and emergency signaling (SOS). Each letter is a unique sequence of dots (·) and dashes (—); letters are separated by spaces, words by "/" or a longer pause. This tool converts any text to Morse code, decodes Morse back to text, and plays the result as audio beeps so you can hear the rhythm.
How It Works
- Text → Morse: Type or paste your text and see it encoded instantly.
- Morse → Text: Paste Morse code (with spaces between letters and / or 3 spaces between words) and see the decoded text.
- Click the 🔊 Play button to hear the Morse code as audio beeps.
- Use the reference chart below for a complete listing of letters, numbers, and punctuation.
✨ Key Features
- ✓Text → Morse code conversion
- ✓Morse code → Text conversion
- ✓Audio playback with correct timing (dots, dashes, gaps)
- ✓Full international Morse code (A-Z, 0-9, punctuation)
- ✓Reference chart for all characters
- ✓Case-insensitive decoding
- ✓Customizable separator between letters and words
- ✓Copy Morse code or decoded text
- ✓Live conversion as you type
- ✓100% client-side — no data sent to any server
🎯 Common Use Cases
- →Learning Morse code (with audio for rhythm)
- →Amateur radio practice and message preparation
- →Creating Morse code puzzles and escape room clues
- →Encoding secret messages for fun
- →Studying telegraph history and Samuel Morse
- →Scout and youth group activities
- →Creating Morse code jewelry or tattoos
- →Emergency signaling reference (SOS = ... --- ...)
💡 Advanced Tips & Pro Insights
- ▸International Morse code timing: 1 dot = 1 unit; 1 dash = 3 units; gap between symbols = 1 unit; gap between letters = 3 units; gap between words = 7 units. The audio playback follows this timing.
- ▸SOS is the universal distress signal: "... --- ..." — three dots, three dashes, three dots. It is used because it has a distinctive, easy-to-recognize rhythm.
- ▸Morse is not case-sensitive — it only represents uppercase letters, so "Hello" and "HELLO" encode identically. The decoder returns uppercase.
- ▸Numbers in Morse code all have 5 symbols (0 = "-----", 1 = ".----", 2 = "..---", etc.), making them easy to memorize.
- ▸Punctuation varies slightly between regions — this tool uses the ITU-R M.1677-1 standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Morse code converter free?▾
Yes, this Morse code converter is completely free with no signup, email, or usage limits.
Is my data safe?▾
Yes, 100% safe. All conversion and audio playback happens in your browser. No data is sent to any server.
What is Morse code?▾
Morse code is a method of encoding text as sequences of short and long signals (dots and dashes). Each letter, number, and some punctuation marks have a unique pattern. It was invented in the 1830s for the telegraph and remains in use today.
How do I write SOS in Morse code?▾
SOS is three dots, three dashes, three dots: "... --- ..." (with spaces between letters). It is the international distress signal.
How are letters and words separated in Morse code?▾
Letters are separated by a single space (".... . .-.. .-.. ---" for HELLO). Words are separated by a slash ("/") or three spaces. This tool uses "/" between words by default.
Does it play the Morse code as sound?▾
Yes. Click the "🔊 Play" button and the tool will generate the audio beeps (using the Web Audio API) with correct timing — dots are shorter, dashes are longer, and gaps follow the international standard.
Can I decode Morse code without spaces?▾
Morse code without spaces is ambiguous — one sequence could decode to multiple different words. This tool requires spaces between letters to decode reliably. If you have unspaced Morse, try adding spaces manually based on the expected word.
Is Morse code still used today?▾
Yes. Amateur radio operators still use it (and it is required for some licenses). Aviation uses it in VOR beacons and identifier signals. The military uses it for covert signaling. Emergency SOS remains a universal distress signal.