Morse Code Converter

About this tool

This converter translates in both directions: type plain text to get International Morse Code, or switch modes and paste dots and dashes to decode them back to text. It covers letters A–Z, digits 0–9, and common punctuation. Everything runs locally in your browser — nothing you type is sent anywhere.

As you type, the output box updates instantly and the visual panel draws each letter as dots and dashes so you can see the pattern shape. Play Audio sounds out the code as 600 Hz tones using your browser's Web Audio API, with a speed slider from 5 to 30 words per minute. In Morse-to-text mode, separate letters with spaces and words with a forward slash (/).

When to use it

• Learning Morse for amateur radio — start slow, then push the WPM slider up as your ear improves.
• Decoding a Morse message from a puzzle, geocache, escape room, or song.
• Creating Morse text for a gift engraving, tattoo design, or classroom demo, with audio to verify it.

SOS and how Morse timing works

The most famous Morse sequence is SOS: ... --- ... — three dots, three dashes, three dots. It was chosen as the distress signal because it's unmistakable, not because it abbreviates anything. Timing in Morse is built from one unit: a dot lasts one unit, a dash three; gaps are one unit between elements inside a letter, three between letters, and seven between words. Speed is measured in words per minute using the reference word "PARIS" — at 15 WPM, a dot lasts 80 milliseconds (1.2 seconds divided by the WPM).

Frequently asked questions

How do I write spaces between words in Morse code?

Use a forward slash. For example, "HI" followed by "OK" becomes ".... .. / --- -.-" — single spaces separate letters, and the slash marks the word break. This tool reads and writes that convention in both directions.

Is my text sent to a server?

No. The conversion table, the visual display, and the audio playback all run in your browser with JavaScript. You can load the page, disconnect from the internet, and it will keep working.

Why do some characters disappear in the output?

Characters without a standard Morse mapping — like %, #, or accented letters — are skipped rather than guessed. Letters are also case-insensitive, since Morse has no upper or lower case; everything is treated as uppercase.

What speed should I practice at?

Many learners use the Farnsworth approach: keep individual letters fast (15–20 WPM) so you learn their rhythm as a sound, but leave extra space between letters. Recognizing patterns by ear beats counting dots and dashes visually.