Morse Code Encoder / Decoder

Convert text to Morse code and decode Morse back to text. Plays audio using the Web Audio API. Click any symbol in the reference chart to insert it.

morse-code.tool
Text Input
Morse Output
Quick Reference

How Morse Code Works

Morse code encodes characters as sequences of short signals (dots, dit) and long signals (dashes, dah). A dash is three times the duration of a dot. Between dots and dashes within a character: one dot gap. Between characters: three dot gaps. Between words: seven dot gaps. The universal distress signal SOS (... --- ...) was chosen because it is easy to remember and transmit, not because it stands for any specific phrase.

Audio Playback

Click Play Audio to hear your message as actual Morse code tones using the Web Audio API. The frequency is set to 600 Hz, which is the standard practice frequency used by amateur radio operators. Real Morse code speed is measured in WPM (words per minute) based on the word PARIS as a standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

SOS is ... --- ... in Morse code (three dots, three dashes, three dots). Contrary to popular belief, SOS does not stand for anything. It was adopted as the international distress signal in 1906 because it is easy to transmit and recognise, and cannot be confused with other common signals. The backronyms 'Save Our Souls' and 'Save Our Ship' came later.
Learning to send and receive at basic conversational speed (typically 5 WPM) takes 2-3 months with daily practice. Proficient operators work at 20-25 WPM. The Koch method (learn two characters perfectly, then add one at a time) is the most effective modern approach. The ARRL publishes free learning resources.
Yes, in several contexts. Amateur radio (ham radio) operators still use it, and it was a licence requirement until 2007 in most countries. The military and some maritime services maintain it as a backup. Medical alert devices (the triple-tap for help) use a form of Morse. It is also used by people with motor disabilities to communicate.
In this tool, a space between characters separates Morse symbols within a word. A forward slash / separates words. So '... --- ...' decodes as SOS (one word), while '... / ---' decodes as two words: S and O.
Morse code itself has no fixed frequency — it is just on/off keying of a carrier wave. The audio tone frequency (pitch) used for practice and receiving is typically 600-800 Hz. Amateur radio Morse transmissions appear as narrow peaks in the radio spectrum, visible on a waterfall display.