Morse Code Translator
What is Morse Code?
Morse code is a character encoding system that represents letters and numbers as sequences of short signals (dots) and long signals (dashes). It was developed by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail in the 1830s and became the first widely-used binary communication system. Originally transmitted as electrical pulses over telegraph wires, then as radio waves, Morse code was the backbone of long-distance communication for over a century. Today it's used in amateur (ham) radio, emergency signaling, aviation, and accessibility tools. The international distress signal SOS is ··· --- ··· — three dots, three dashes, three dots.
How to Use the Morse Code Translator
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Type text in the input box to convert it to Morse code — or type Morse code (using . and -) to convert it to text.
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Adjust the speed (WPM — words per minute) and tone frequency with the sliders.
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Click the Play button to hear your message transmitted in Morse code audio.
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Copy the Morse code output to use in messages or study materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does WPM mean in Morse code? WPM (words per minute) measures transmission speed. A 'word' in Morse code training is standardly counted as 5 characters (the word 'PARIS' is used as the reference). Beginners start at 5–10 WPM; experienced operators can decode at 25–40 WPM.
What is the SOS signal? SOS is ··· --- ··· — three dots, three dashes, three dots. It was chosen as the international distress signal because it's easy to transmit and recognise, not because the letters S-O-S stand for anything specific (though 'Save Our Souls' is a popular backronym).
Is Morse code still used today? Yes, though rarely for communication. Amateur (ham) radio operators still use it, and a Morse code proficiency requirement was required for all ham licenses until 2007. It's also used as an accessibility input method for people with limited mobility, and remains the standard for aviation beacon identifiers.
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