Morse Code Converter
Convert text to Morse code and decode Morse code back to text
Morse code turns text into the dots and dashes that once carried messages across telegraph wires and radio waves. This converter encodes plain text into International Morse Code and decodes it back, with audio playback so you can hear a message — built for learners, radio enthusiasts, and puzzle designers.
What is Morse Code?
Morse code was invented in the 1830s–40s for the electric telegraph. Each letter and digit becomes a sequence of short signals (dots or “dits”) and long signals (dashes or “dahs”), where a dash lasts three times as long as a dot. The famous SOS (· · · — — — · · ·) was chosen as a distress signal not because it abbreviates anything, but because its rhythm is unmistakable. Telegraphy is gone, but Morse survives in amateur radio, aviation beacons, and assistive technology.
How to Use
- Choose a mode: Encode converts text to Morse; Decode converts it back.
- Enter input: Type text, or paste dots and dashes when decoding; unsupported characters become a question mark.
- Pick a separator: Divide letters and words with spaces, slashes, or pipes.
- Play or copy: In encode mode, press Play Audio to hear the message as beeps.
Features
- Encode to and decode from International Morse Code
- All 26 letters and digits 0–9
- Audio playback with correct timing (Web Audio API)
- Configurable separators: space, slash, pipe
Use Cases
- Learning: Hear each letter and drill yourself at real tempo.
- Amateur radio: Prepare or verify CW messages before going on air.
- Puzzles: Hide clues in escape rooms, scavenger hunts, or geocaches.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Morse code converter work?
The converter uses the standard International Morse Code mapping. In encode mode, each letter and number is replaced by its Morse code equivalent (dots and dashes). In decode mode, sequences of dots and dashes are matched back to their corresponding characters. All processing happens locally in your browser for privacy and speed.
What characters are supported?
The converter supports all 26 letters of the English alphabet (A-Z, case insensitive) and all 10 digits (0-9). Unsupported characters are replaced with a question mark (?).
Can I play the Morse code as audio?
Yes, when in encode mode, you can click the Play Audio button to hear the Morse code as audible beeps. The playback uses the Web Audio API to generate tones: a short beep for dots (dit) and a longer beep for dashes (dah), with appropriate gaps between characters and words.