Type a message in the text box and its Morse code appears next to it, using dots, dashes, a space between letters and a slash between words. Paste Morse code into the other box and it is decoded back into letters. Both directions update as you type.
Press Play sound to hear the code as real beeps. You can set the speed in words per minute and the tone, and turn on a flashing light to practise reading visual signals. The translator supports letters, numbers and common punctuation from the international (ITU) Morse alphabet, and a full chart is included below the tool.
How to use the Morse Code Translator tool
- Type your message in the Text box, or paste dots and dashes into the Morse code box.
- Read the translation in the other box.
- Set the speed and tone, then press Play sound to hear it.
- Tick Flash the light for a visual signal as well.
- Copy the Morse code or the text with one click.
Why use ToolOrca Morse Code Translator
- Text to Morse and Morse to text
- Audio playback with adjustable speed and tone
- Optional flashing light
- Letters, numbers and punctuation (ITU standard)
- Accented letters converted automatically
- Full Morse code chart
Morse code timing rules
Morse code is built from one time unit: a dot is 1 unit long, a dash is 3 units, the gap inside a letter is 1 unit, the gap between letters is 3 units and the gap between words is 7 units. Speed is measured in words per minute using the word "PARIS" as the standard, so at 20 WPM one unit lasts 60 milliseconds.
Beginners usually learn at a slow 5–10 WPM. Licensed amateur radio operators often send at 15–25 WPM, and experts copy 40 WPM or more by ear.
SOS and other famous signals
SOS is ... --- ..., sent as one continuous signal without letter gaps. It was chosen because it is easy to send and recognise, not because it stands for "save our souls". Other common codes include .-.-.- for a full stop and ..--.. for a question mark.
Frequently asked questions
How do I write a space between words in Morse code?
Put a single space between letters and a slash (/) between words, for example .... .. / - .... . .-. . for "HI THERE". Three or more spaces also work as a word gap.
What is SOS in Morse code?
... --- ... – three dots, three dashes, three dots.
Can I translate lowercase letters?
Yes. Morse code has no upper or lower case, so the translator treats all letters the same and shows the decoded text in capitals.
Why is there no sound on my phone?
Make sure your phone is not on silent and the volume is up. On iPhone the ring/silent switch also mutes web audio.
Which characters are not supported?
Characters that have no international Morse code, such as emoji or most symbols, are skipped and a short note is shown.