Morse Code Decoder - Convert Dots & Dashes to Text

Paste Morse code in common formats and decode it instantly with letter counts, word counts, and unknown-code detection.

What is a Morse Code Decoder?

A Morse code decoder is a translation tool that converts sequences of dots (·) and dashes (−) back into readable text. Unlike substitution or shift ciphers, Morse code is a fixed encoding scheme invented by Samuel Morse in the 1830s — each letter, number, and punctuation mark has exactly one dot-dash pattern. Our Morse decoder handles the International Morse Code standard, restores spacing and punctuation, and works for both visual and audio-origin Morse transcripts.

Features of Our Morse Code Decoder

  • Instant Translation: Converts Morse to plain text in real time as you type
  • International Standard: Supports the full ITU-R M.1677 Morse table (A–Z, 0–9, common punctuation)
  • Flexible Separators: Accepts space between letters and / or | between words
  • Bidirectional: The same tool encodes plaintext to Morse and decodes Morse to plaintext
  • Error Tolerant: Flags unknown tokens without breaking the rest of the decoding
  • Local Processing: All decoding happens in your browser — no data is uploaded

How to Use Our Morse Decoder

  1. Paste Your Morse Code

    • Enter dots as . and dashes as -
    • Separate letters with a single space
    • Separate words with / or |
    • Example: .... . .-.. .-.. --- / .-- --- .-. .-.. -..

  2. Choose Decoding Direction

    • Decode mode converts Morse signals into readable text
    • Encode mode converts plain text into Morse for transmission or learning
    • Switch modes anytime without losing your input

  3. Read the Output

    • Decoded text appears instantly on the right panel
    • Unrecognized tokens are marked so you can spot transcription errors
    • Use the one-click copy button to export the result

  4. Fine-Tune the Input

    • Remove stray characters from audio-transcribed Morse
    • Normalize letter boundaries if the source used inconsistent spacing
    • Transcribe short tones as . and long tones as - before pasting audio Morse

Morse Decoder Examples

Basic Decoding

  • Input: .... . .-.. .-.. ---
  • Output: HELLO

Full Sentence

  • Input: - .... . / --.- ..- .. -.-. -.- / -... .-. --- .-- -.
  • Output: THE QUICK BROWN

SOS Distress Signal

  • Input: ... --- ...
  • Output: SOS
  • Note: Historically transmitted as a single unbroken prosign, but modern decoders accept either spacing.

Numeric Sequence

  • Input: ----- .---- ..--- ...-- ....-
  • Output: 01234

Troubleshooting

Nothing Decodes or Output Looks Garbled

  • Confirm you are using . for dots and - for dashes — many pasted sources use middots, em dashes, or bullets
  • Ensure single spaces between letters and / (or |) between words
  • Strip stray whitespace or line breaks from audio-transcribed Morse before decoding

Unknown Token Warnings

  • The decoder marks sequences that do not map to any ITU Morse letter, digit, or punctuation
  • Usually caused by a missing or extra dot/dash — re-check the timing transcription
  • Non-English letters (e.g. accented characters) fall outside the standard table and will be flagged

Decoded Text Is Missing Punctuation

  • Punctuation like . , ? has its own Morse pattern — ensure the source encoded it rather than dropping it
  • Some transmitters omit punctuation to save time; the decoder cannot recover what was never sent