How Morse Code Works
Morse code represents each character as a pattern of short and long signals, written as dots and dashes. This guide explains the standard patterns and how spacing keeps them readable.
What is the Morse Code Translator?
Morse Code Translator converts letters, digits, and common punctuation into dots and dashes, and decodes Morse back into plain text. Letters are separated by spaces and words by a slash, following the standard international Morse layout.
How to use it
- Type text or Morse code into the box.
- Choose Encode or Decode.
- Click Translate and copy the result.
Worked example
For 'SOS' in Encode to Morse mode, the output is '... --- ...'.
Why do letters use different numbers of dots and dashes?
Common letters such as E and T get the shortest patterns, a single dot and a single dash, which kept messages quick to send by hand. Rarer letters use longer patterns, balancing speed against the need for a unique code per character.
Frequently asked questions
How are words separated in Morse code?
Letters are separated by a single space and words by a slash, which keeps word boundaries clear in plain text form.
What does a question mark mean in decoded output?
It marks a Morse group the tool did not recognise, so you can spot and fix that group.