Printer "Filter failed" for macOS Sierra?

Hi all,


I have upgraded both my iMac and MacBook Pro to the new macOS Sierra and have not been having much problems until recently. As my exams are near, I print notes on my printer, Canon E560. However, recently, certain pages cannot be printed and the printing comes to a standstill. It says "Stopped - 'Filter' failed", and I cannot find a way to resolve this issue. I have experienced this numerous times, and at the start of the printing, it immediately says that the filter failed on my computer, but keeps on printing until a page where it stops. Some pictures on the pages already printed are distorted. Is this related to the macOS Sierra? this applies to both my computers. I have replaced the ink cartridges but to no avail. I have also emailed Canon on this but they are taking a long time to reply me.


I have another printer upstairs in my house, which is my fathers. Thus, I tried printing with it but the words have white lines across it, for some of the pages. This shows that it may be a problem with the document, or the software, macOS Sierra 10.12.


For both printers, it seems like the contents of the pages are pushed downwards as well.


Many thanks,

Ethan

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013), macOS Sierra (10.12), As well as a MacBook Pro (2015)

Posted on Oct 3, 2016 7:05 AM

Reply
25 replies

Oct 6, 2017 10:01 AM in response to Ethanp24

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.

Oct 6, 2017 10:09 AM in response to Ethanp24

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.

Jul 11, 2017 3:27 PM in response to Ethanp24

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

Feb 1, 2017 11:02 PM in response to John Blanchard1

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?

Jan 23, 2018 6:08 AM in response to Geoffrey Bonnin

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 !!

Oct 3, 2016 3:11 PM in response to Ethanp24

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.

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Printer "Filter failed" for macOS Sierra?

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