Tap Code Translator

Convert text to tap code and back. Tap code uses a 5×5 Polybius square where each letter is encoded as two groups of taps.

3 characters
30 characters

Tap Code Grid

12345
1A
. .		B
. ..		C/K
. ...		D
. ....		E
. .....
2F
.. .		G
.. ..		H
.. ...		I
.. ....		J
.. .....
3L
... .		M
... ..		N
... ...		O
... ....		P
... .....
4Q
.... .		R
.... ..		S
.... ...		T
.... ....		U
.... .....
5V
..... .		W
..... ..		X
..... ...		Y
..... ....		Z
..... .....

What Is Tap Code?

Tap code is a cipher that encodes letters as two groups of taps, based on a 5×5 Polybius square. The grid has 25 letters (C and K share the same cell). Each letter is its row number in taps, a short pause, then its column number in taps. For example, S = row 4, column 3 → .... ... (4 taps, pause, 3 taps).

It needs nothing more than a rhythmic sound, which is why it became the secret communication system used by American prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.

What Is the Tap Code Translator?

This tool converts text to tap code and back. Type text in the Text box to see the tap code output, or paste tap code in the Tap Code box to decode it.

Letters within a word are separated by | and words by /. Each letter appears as two dot groups for the row and column taps.

How to Use the Tap Code Translator

  1. Type or paste a message in the Text box. Each letter is converted to tap code in the Tap Code box.
  2. Paste tap code (letters separated by |, words by /) in the Tap Code box to decode.
  3. Use the clipboard icon to copy either box.
  4. See the full 5×5 grid in the table below.

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