Fix 'Unable to Convert PostScript File' Error When Printing PDFs on Mac
Question details
Users are unable to print PDF documents due to a PostScript conversion failure, specifically when using Adobe Acrobat and Epson printers on macOS.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat, Epson Printer
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Sending a PDF document from Adobe Acrobat to an Epson printer on a Mac computer.
- Observed behavior
- The print job fails to complete, and the system displays an 'Unable to convert PostScript file' error message.
Ensure your Mac is connected to the internet and that you have administrative privileges, as resolving this issue requires downloading and installing operating system updates.
Update macOS to the Latest Version
Upgrading your Mac's operating system (e.g., from macOS 10.15 to macOS 11 or newer) is the most effective way to resolve driver-related PostScript conversion errors.
This error is frequently caused by compatibility issues between older macOS print pipelines, Adobe Acrobat, and modern Epson printer drivers. Updating macOS provides the latest background printing protocols.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions).
Click on General in the sidebar, then select Software Update on the right. The system will check for new macOS releases.
If an update is available (such as an upgrade to macOS 11 Big Sur or newer), click Update Now or Upgrade Now and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Print the PDF as an Image
Bypass the PostScript conversion process entirely by sending the PDF document to the printer as a rasterized image.
Print PDFs Smoothly with WPS Office
If Adobe Acrobat continues to show PostScript errors on your Mac, you can bypass the issue entirely by using WPS Office's built-in PDF reader. It provides a reliable and lightweight alternative for processing and printing complex PDF documents.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office application for Mac from the official website.
- 2. Open the PDF File: Right-click the PDF you want to print, select 'Open With', and choose WPS Office.
- 3. Initiate Printing: Click the Print icon on the top toolbar or press Cmd + P on your keyboard.
- 4. Select Printer and Print: Choose your Epson printer from the drop-down menu, adjust any necessary settings, and click Print.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'Unable to convert PostScript file' error mean?
This error indicates that your Mac's printing system or the printer driver failed to translate the PDF document's visual elements into PostScript, the specific page description language required by your printer model to render the document on paper.
Will resetting the Mac printing system fix this printer error?
If a full macOS update doesn't resolve the issue, resetting the printing system can help. You can do this by going to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, right-clicking your printer list, selecting 'Reset printing system...', and then re-adding your Epson printer.
Why does this error occur specifically with Epson printers and Acrobat?
This issue is commonly caused by compatibility mismatches between Adobe Acrobat's proprietary print processing pipeline, older macOS environments (like macOS 10.15 Catalina), and certain Epson driver sets that fail to interpret the software's PostScript commands.
