Missing commands

Hi
New to LibreCAD. Coming from AutoCAD.
Libre seems to often be missing a necessary command in it's processes.
Ex; I pick the offset tool, select object to create offset, r click to move on to the next step.
Next prompt is "specify direction of offset" and it works but I am never prompted for an "offset distance".
The object offsets at an obviously pre determined distance which I didn't set and nowhere in all of this am I given an opportunity to set the distance I want.
I also see nothing in the manuals in the way of an answer.
BTW, I do understand the distance formula, <5> (example) and have entered it at every possible point including in place of r clicking to move on to the next command, to no avail.
Any enlightenment is appreciated.

Bryon

At the Tool Options bar:

also try "parallel" . it draws a parallel line to whatever you select including curved lines and you can specify distance