Serna allows convenient calling of external applications for creating representations of XML documents for a different format ( Publishing). The publishing specification for a target format defines: generated file extension, script for running an external application, and a stylesheet for transformation. This information is defined in Document Template for each document type (see Document Template Development). It is possible to define as many publishing specifications as needed.
Note, that for publishing Serna creates a temporary file in the directory where the document is located. The temporary file contains a standalone copy of the document with all entities expanded, and all default attribute values instantiated (this helps to avoid DTD/Schema resolution problems for publishing applications).
For publishing, the document directory should have write permission, otherwise Serna will be unable to create a temporary file.