Morse code translator

Type text and MorseKit writes it in International Morse code; paste dots and dashes and it reads them back as text. It works out which way you are translating, accepts dots and dashes in most common symbols, and treats a slash or a wide gap as a space between words.

Practise by ear

Koch method: start with two letters and add one when you score 90%.

Letters so far:

Morse code alphabet (tap to hear)

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Press play to hear it at the speed you choose, or flash it as light. Timing follows the standard PARIS method, with optional Farnsworth spacing for learners.

How Morse code is timed

Morse code is built from one basic unit of time. A dot lasts one unit and a dash three. Inside a letter, the gap between symbols is one unit; between letters it is three units, and between words seven. Speed is measured in words per minute using the word PARIS, which is exactly fifty units long including the gap after it, so at 20 WPM one unit lasts 60 milliseconds. MorseKit uses these timings for sound, light and the downloadable WAV file.

Farnsworth spacing keeps each character at full speed but stretches the gaps between characters and words. Learners hear the true rhythm of every letter while having time to think, and the gaps are shortened as they improve. Set the Farnsworth speed below the character speed to turn it on; set them equal to switch it off.

Translating and reading

The translator decides the direction for you. If what you type contains only dots, dashes, spaces and slashes, it is decoded to text; anything else is encoded to Morse. Dots may be written as periods, bullets or middots and dashes as hyphens, minus signs, en or em dashes, so text copied from websites or puzzles usually works without editing. Characters that have no Morse equivalent, and Morse groups that are not valid characters, are listed under the result so you can fix them.

Practising by ear

Reading dots and dashes is slow; real Morse is understood as sound. The trainer uses the Koch method: it plays a random character from a small set at full speed and you type what you heard. Begin with two letters and add one each time your score stays above ninety percent. The alphabet chart plays any character when you tap it, which helps link the sound to the letter. Your speed, tone and practice score are saved only in this browser.

Frequently asked questions

How are letters and words separated?

One space between letters and a slash (/) between words. When reading, three or more spaces also count as a word gap.

Which Morse code is this?

International Morse code as defined by the ITU, the version used by radio amateurs and almost everywhere today.

Can I download the sound?

Yes. Download WAV saves the audio at your chosen speed and tone, generated in your browser.

Is MorseKit free?

Yes. Translation, audio, light and practice are all free with no sign-up.

Is my text sent anywhere?

No. Everything runs in your browser and your settings are saved only on this device.

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