Yes, you can add them at creation using the shop list at top left. Edits and changes will need to be made in each shop tab within the listing. Later, use Copy or Merge to link additional shops.
Yes. Download a CSV template for new listings by clicking "Import" from the main dashboard. In an exported CSV of existing listings, add a new row for each listing you'd like to add. Leave the Listing ID column blank, and Vela will treat the row as a new listing. See the video on CSV Import and Export for details on adding listings with variations via CSV.
Template mode is for creating new listings only. The profile will fill in the fields when you create the listing, but the new listing won’t stay connected to the profile afterward.