Translate, play and learn Morse code
The Morse Code Translator converts text to International Morse code and Morse code back to text as you type. It recognises the direction automatically, so you can paste either plain English or dots and dashes and get the translation straight away.
Press Play to hear the message as a clean sine-wave tone, watch it blink on the signal light, or download it as a WAV audio file. Speed, Farnsworth spacing, pitch and volume are adjustable, which makes the tool useful for amateur radio (ham) operators learning CW, scouts and students, puzzle and escape-room makers, and anyone who just wants to see “SOS” as · · · − − − · · ·.
How to use the Morse Code Translator
- Type text or paste Morse code into the input box. “Auto-detect” works out the direction; choose “Text → Morse” or “Morse → Text” to force it.
- Read the translation in the output box. Letters are separated by spaces and words by “ / ”.
- Set the character speed (5–40 WPM), an optional lower Farnsworth effective speed, the tone pitch and the volume.
- Press “Play Morse” to listen. Keep “Flash the light while playing” ticked to see each signal on the lamp.
- Use “Copy output” to paste the translation, or “Download WAV” to save the audio.
- Open the chart at the bottom to look up any letter, digit, punctuation mark or prosign, and tap one to hear it.
Morse Code Translator features
Standard International Morse
Letters, digits, punctuation, É and prosigns follow ITU-R M.1677-1, with a few common extras such as ! and & clearly marked as non-standard.
Automatic direction
Input made only of dots, dashes, spaces and slashes is decoded; anything else is encoded. Middle dots (·), bullets and long dashes (−) are accepted too.
Accurate audio timing
Uses the PARIS standard (a dot lasts 1.2 ÷ WPM seconds) and the ARRL Farnsworth formula, with soft 5 ms edges so the tone does not click.
Flashing light
A lamp lights up in sync with each dot and dash, and the letter being sent is shown, which helps with visual signalling practice.
WAV download
The audio is synthesised on your device as a 16-bit 22.05 kHz WAV file that plays on any phone or computer.
Prosigns
Write <SK>, <AR>, <BT> or <SOS> to send letters run together as one procedural signal.
Morse code timing rules
International Morse is built on one time unit. A dot is 1 unit long and a dash 3 units; the gap between the dots and dashes inside a letter is 1 unit, the gap between letters 3 units and the gap between words 7 units. Speed in words per minute (WPM) is measured with the standard word “PARIS”, which takes exactly 50 units including the gap after it. So at 20 WPM one unit is 1.2 ÷ 20 = 0.06 seconds, a dash lasts 0.18 seconds and “PARIS ” takes 3 seconds.
The Farnsworth method sends each letter at a fast character speed but stretches the gaps between letters and words so the overall speed is slower. Learners recognise the rhythm of each letter as a whole sound instead of counting dots. With character speed c and effective speed s, the extra time per word is (60c − 37.2s) ÷ (s × c) seconds, spread over the letter gaps (3/19 of it each) and word gaps (7/19).
Common Morse code examples
| Text | Morse code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| SOS | ... --- ... | International distress signal, sent as one continuous sign |
| CQ | -.-. --.- | General call to any station |
| 73 | --... ...-- | Best regards (ham radio) |
| I LOVE YOU | .. / .-.. --- ...- . / -.-- --- ..- | Popular for jewellery and tattoos |
| <SK> | ...-.- | End of contact |
Tips for learning Morse code
- Learn by sound, not by reading the chart: a character speed of 18–20 WPM with a Farnsworth effective speed of 5–10 WPM is a popular starting point.
- Begin with high-frequency letters like E, T, A, N, I and M, then add the rest a few at a time.
- A pitch between 500 and 800 Hz is comfortable for long practice sessions.
- Convert the same message into other codes with Text to Binary, or generate a steady practice tone with the Tone Generator.
Morse Code Translator FAQ
How do I translate Morse code to English?
Paste the dots and dashes into the Morse code translator. Separate letters with a space and words with a slash or two spaces; the English text appears instantly. Unrecognised groups are shown as # so you can spot typing mistakes.
What is SOS in Morse code?
SOS is · · · − − − · · · (three dots, three dashes, three dots). In real emergencies it is sent as one continuous signal without letter gaps, which you can produce here by typing <SOS>.
Why can’t I hear any sound?
Browsers only allow audio after you tap a button, so press “Play Morse” directly. Also check the volume slider, your device volume and that the tab or phone is not muted.
What does WPM mean in Morse code?
Words per minute, measured with the standard word PARIS (50 time units). At 20 WPM each dot lasts 60 milliseconds. Beginners often start between 5 and 15 WPM.
Does Morse code have lowercase letters?
No. Morse code has no case, so the translator converts everything to capital letters and decoded text is always shown in capitals.
Can I download the Morse code audio?
Yes. “Download WAV” saves the current message at your chosen speed, pitch and volume as a standard WAV file, created on your device.