Printer "Filter failed" for macOS Sierra?

This problem showed up here after upgrading to Sierra 10.12.5 on an EPSON WF-3520.

Epson printer driver was version 9.04 (this version number was only visible inside the EPSON Printer Utility, NOT in the Mac's Printer-Queue.)

My SOLUTION: upgrade to "Epson Printer Drivers v3.3 for OS X" available here:

https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1925

These became available only on 6 July 2017.

After this upgrade the EPSON Printer driver has version 9.8 (Again, this is only visible inside the EPSON Printer Utility)

Bizarrely, Apple's description doesn't mention Sierra or El Capitan

I just upgraded my MacBook Pro (late 2011) to OS 10.12.3 Sierra and can no longer print on my Canon MP610. I get the "filter failed" message when trying to print. Canon has no driver update that fixes this, in fact it is no longer listed as a compatible printer on their website. I wish I had known this prior to upgrading. My printer in now useless. I've tried resetting the printer system and re-downloaded the latest Canon printer driver, and my Mac OS system is up to date, but it still doesn't work. Any suggestions?

I first had this problem with a clean install of El Capitan when mine wouldn't work — the drivers were no longer included with the OS.

I have had luck finding and installing the Mavericks drivers (print and scan) from the Canon.jp site. Even though they aren't supported, they still work and saved me having to replace a perfectly good printer.

On the other hand, sometimes it is the printer.

My HP c309 failed with that error yesterday but I installed High Sierra last week. Huh?

I removed the cartridges and print head, cleaned the contacts with an alcohol wipe and microfiber cloth (after getting all the ink off with paper towels — no need to ruin a good cloth), put it back together and it worked.

The nine year old c309 was the last HP printer to support CD printing. I'll hate to replace it if/when it gives up the ghost.

Was working (Epson laser CX17) before I updated to 10.13.2 (high Sierra)

so update to High sierra will not solve the issue, and will probably create the issue to those how don't have it !

This issue comes often after updates ofthe OS. Nothing to do with the manufacturer driver

Spent my day trying any tips, but without results.

Nothing to do with AirPrint (it is a laser network printer). according to EPSON support, it seems that this printer is not compatible anymore with 10.13.2 !! . sounds like programmed obsolence 👿

And this message is an UNIX error message. Sure that a line of code should solve the problem

Apple might deliver an update for this, as the printer is OK, we can see the printer on the network, check supplies level, queue, etc.. but printing fail !!

Have you looked for a new driver for your printer? Canon are responsible for updating the drivers for their products to make sure that they are compatible with the new OS

You can read other threads here about Sierra & printer problems. On my Canon printer, when printing certain PDFs from Preview (or just dragging them to the printer icon), I get the dreaded Filter Failed message. On Canon's web site we find that they are aware of this, and working on a new driver to take care of it. In the mean time, I can print these PDFs from Adobe Reader instead.

I had this issue since the upgrade. I just installed the public beta 10.12.1v3 today, and my printing was restored - thankfully! Hopefully this is fully resolved with the release version of 10.12.1. You can sign up for the public beta if you aren't already and see if that helps you as well. Good luck!

I had the same problem on my Epson. I spent much time reloading drivers, emptying cache in Library, removing all the Epson stuff. Spent an hour with the Epson tech. Then I decided to for the most current Sierra beta update--it worked.

It appears to be a problem that will be fixed in the next release. I the mean time, I was able to get my document to print by printing to a pdf and then printing the pdf from Acrobat.

I'm having the same problem and when I visit Canon, there are no driver updates recommended or available. The image distortion seems to be a .png print error as well.

Thank you for this tip - managed to print what I wanted.

Being a bit non technical I don't understand why this works but printing straight from Word doesn't...