Morse Code for Short Text Messages
Encode and decode supported letters, digits, and selected punctuation as written Morse sequences.
Morse code assigns sequences of short and long signals to characters. This tool represents them as dots and dashes, with spaces between characters and a slash between words. It is useful for studying short messages or checking a written sequence. It does not simulate transmission timing or audio.
In this guide
Encode a simple word
The converter lowercases input and maps the English alphabet, digits, and period, comma, question mark, and exclamation mark. “SOS” becomes “... --- ...”. An ordinary space becomes “ / ” in the output. Unsupported input characters become question marks and are listed in a warning.
Try a short word first, then one with a space. If you add a symbol such as an emoji or a letter with an accent, inspect the warning; the tool does not transliterate it. Replace unsupported text manually when the intended message must be unambiguous.
InputSOSOutput
... --- ...
Decode the notation
In decode mode, spaces separate code groups and slashes separate words. Each recognized group maps back to a lowercase character. An unknown group becomes “?” and triggers a warning. When the source itself contains a question mark, its valid Morse sequence is distinct from this placeholder.
Paste a sequence you know, decode it, and compare against the intended message. A missing space can merge two groups into an unrecognized sequence. A missing slash can join words. Written notation is useful for practice but does not convey the pauses and rhythm of a real signal.
Understand scope and timing
The ITU recommendation documents international Morse code signals and timing conventions. This page’s output is a plain-text representation of selected characters. It has no sound player or keying controls in the converter logic. It also does not translate the meaning of words between languages.
For study, use the converter to check a sequence, then compare it with an authoritative chart and practice recognizing the audible rhythm. For an operational communication setting, follow the relevant communication procedures rather than relying on a pasted-text exercise.
Review before sharing
Check supported punctuation and word separators in the final output. A question-mark placeholder means something was not encoded and must be resolved. Keep the ordinary-text original for clarity, especially if the recipient is learning the notation.
Do not confuse the question-mark placeholder with an encoded question mark. The input punctuation “?” has its own dot-dash sequence, while “?” in output can also signal an unsupported character or unknown sequence. The warning identifies when a placeholder was used. Resolve those cases before treating the result as a faithful transcription.
- Letters and digits have mappings.
- Only four punctuation marks are mapped.
- A slash separates words in the written result.
Frequently asked questions
Does the converter support accented letters?
No. Unsupported characters are shown as ? and identified in a warning.
What separates words?
A slash in the written Morse sequence.
Does the result include sound timing?
No. It contains dots, dashes, spaces, and slashes only.