Why Morse Code?
Morse code is one of the most versatile encoding systems for puzzle creators:
- Universally recognised — Most people know "dot dot dot dash dash dash" is SOS
- Visual flexibility — Represent dots/dashes with almost anything
- Multi-sensory — Can be visual, audio, or tactile
- Easy to verify — Clear one-to-one letter mapping
Step 1: Plan Your Message
Keep your message concise. Morse code puzzles can become tedious with long texts.
Good message examples:
N51 23 456
LOOK UNDER ROCK
WEST GATE
Tip: Numbers in Morse code are 5 characters each (all dots or dashes), which can make coordinate puzzles quite long. Consider spelling out key numbers or encoding just part of the coordinates.
Step 2: Encode Your Message
Use our Morse Code tool to convert your text:
Plaintext:
CACHE
Morse code:
-.-. .- -.-. .... .
Step 3: Choose Your Representation
This is where Morse puzzles get creative. Instead of literal dots and dashes, represent them with:
Objects in a Photo
Short/tall trees, small/large rocks, parked cars (compact/long)
Example: A row of fence posts—short posts = dots, tall posts = dashes
Text Formatting
Lowercase/UPPERCASE letters, short/long words, punctuation marks
Example: "a THE b AN c..." where articles = dots, longer words = dashes
Colours or Shapes
Red/blue squares, circles/rectangles, filled/empty symbols
Example: A string of beads—round beads = dots, oval beads = dashes
Timing/Audio
Short/long beeps, quick/slow flashes, clap patterns
Example: A video showing lights flashing in Morse patterns
Field Elements
Bricks in a wall, tiles on a path, windows on a building
Example: "Count the lit/unlit windows from left to right"
Step 4: Handle Spacing
In Morse code, spacing is crucial:
- Between symbols: Short pause (1 unit)
- Between letters: Medium pause (3 units)
- Between words: Long pause (7 units)
For visual puzzles, you need to indicate letter boundaries:
Use separators
Slashes, vertical bars, or spaces between letter groups
Use grouping
Visual clusters, colour backgrounds, or line breaks
Physical gaps
Larger spaces between objects in photos
Example with clear letter separation:
-.-. | .- | -.-. | .... | .
Decodes to: CACHE
Difficulty Variations
Easy (D1-D1.5)
- • Use standard dots and dashes
- • Clear letter/word separators
- • Mention "Morse" in the cache title or description
- • Short message (5-10 characters)
Medium (D2-D2.5)
- • Use visual substitution (objects for dots/dashes)
- • Hint at the encoding method thematically
- • Remove word separators (keep letter separators)
Hard (D3+)
- • Use non-obvious representation
- • No separators (solver must determine letter boundaries)
- • Combine with another cipher
- • Require on-site observation to see the pattern
Complete Example Puzzle
Cache Title: "Reading Between the Lines"
The title hints at looking at text differently.
Cache description (excerpt):
"Samuel Morse changed communication forever. In the tradition of his dots and dashes, consider what you see below. Some things are brief, others more... extended."
I am a WANDERER. My LIFE is an adventure of EXPLORATION. When I ROAM, I find JOY in every DISCOVERY. To HIKE is to LIVE.
Solution:
Short words (2-3 letters) = dots, Long words (4+ letters) = dashes
Pattern: I am a = . . . | WANDERER My LIFE is an = - . - . . | etc.
Decodes to: SOUTH
Pro Tips
- Avoid ambiguity. Make sure your dot/dash distinction is clear. If using objects, ensure the size difference is obvious.
- Test both directions. Your encoding should only decode to one valid message—avoid patterns that could spell multiple words.
- Consider colourblind solvers. If using colours, add another distinguishing feature (shape, size, pattern).
- Include a reference. For harder puzzles, consider providing a Morse code chart as part of the cache description.