Progress is estimated from typical run times. PixelLab only reports queue position and wait.
You can type any preset name. If it doesn't exist, PixelLab replies with an error and nothing is charged.
By default the animation starts from the character's sprite for that direction. Pick a start pose to begin somewhere else, or an end pose to animate between two poses. Either one limits the animation to one direction.
Animate a sprite from your Library or an upload. It doesn't have to be a character.