Faster dimensions

Is there a way to get faster dimensions? For example, currently I have to click each end of a curve, and then type in or click the dimension offset. Essentially I have to use either three clicks or two clicks and use my keyboard. The Object dimension function works ok but is there a better one?
Is there a way or a plugin where I can click anywhere on a curve, and it automatically adds the dimension with a specified offset from that curve?

Any help would be much appreciated.

The first linear dimension requires 3 picks.
If you have Continue or Baseline turned on, each successive dimension takes one more click, not 3. There are tools to choose a dimension to “continue” from, etc.