Morse Code to Text Translator
Read messages written in Morse code. Paste dots and dashes or tap them with the on-screen keys, and the text appears as you go, with unknown codes clearly marked.
- Runs in your browser
- No sign-up
- Free to use
How to use Morse Code to Text
- Paste Morse code into the left box, or use the Dot and Dash buttons.
- Leave a space between letters and a slash between words.
- Read the decoded message on the right.
- Select Listen to hear the code, or copy the text.
Morse Code to Text features
Forgiving input
Accepts . and -, as well as • · and — – look-alikes copied from documents.
Word separators
A slash, a vertical bar or three or more spaces mark a word boundary.
Tap keys
Enter code on a phone with Dot, Dash, Next letter and Next word buttons.
Unknown codes flagged
Sequences that are not valid Morse are shown as � and listed.
Listen
Play the code you entered to check it by ear.
Private
Decoding happens in your browser.
When to use Morse Code to Text
- Decoding Morse in puzzles, geocaches and escape rooms.
- Checking your own Morse transcription practice.
- Reading Morse messages in films, games and books.
- Teaching children codes and ciphers.
- Translating Morse tattoos, jewellery and artwork.
Morse Code to Text FAQ
How should I separate letters and words?
One space between letters and a slash (/) between words, for example: .... .. / - .... . .-. . means HI THERE.
Why does the result show �?
That sequence of dots and dashes is not a valid Morse character. A missing space between two letters is the usual cause.
Can I decode Morse from sound?
This tool decodes written code. To decode audio you would need to transcribe the dots and dashes first.
Is the result always in capitals?
Morse has no upper and lower case. Tick lowercase result if you prefer small letters.
What does ...---... decode to?
Written without spaces it is the SOS distress signal, which is sent as a single continuous pattern.
Decoding Morse by eye and ear
Decoding written Morse depends entirely on the gaps. The same six signals can be read as different letters depending on where the spaces fall, so clear separation between letters and words is essential. That is why a slash is the conventional word separator in written Morse.
Learners often memorise the code with a tree: starting from the top, a dot moves left and a dash moves right, and each position is a letter. E and T are the first level, I A N M the second, and so on. Following the path for each sequence gives the letter without memorising a table.
By ear, skilled operators do not count dots and dashes at all. They learn each character as a rhythm, such as “dah-di-dah-dit” for C, in the same way that people recognise spoken words without spelling them.
Morse has prosigns, special sequences sent without gaps between letters, of which SOS is the most famous. It does not stand for any phrase; the pattern was chosen in 1906 because it is unmistakable.