Is there a setting I can use so that key frames only interpolate motion between each subsequent frame? 

For example, if I have key frames A, B, C and D, I would like to make it so that the motion I create going from frame B to frame C only happens in that time horizon rather than the frame C motion interpolating over the full range from A to C.  The motion between C and D should start at frame C and so forth.  At the moment, when I make a change in vertices in frame C, the interpolated motion starts at frame A and screws up my A to B motion path.

Right now I’m having to go back in to the curve editor and highlight specific splines and vertices to adjust their time starting point, but I’m sure there must be an easier way.

Also, if I’m just animating vertices positions (and in some cases bezier tangents) in a wire frame, what are the appropriate key frame filters to have on?

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks
Brent

Assuming you’re using AutoKey then that is normal - the first key you set on anything but frame 0 wll create 2 keys - one at 0 and one at the frame you are on. Those created on later frames will only create one because there is already a previous key.

An easy way around the problem is to position yourself on the start frame (A in your example) and “nudge” the appropriate spinner up one then back down one - net result is no movement, but a key is set none the less. Now, when you move to frame B and move the object, there is already a key so only 1 gets set. It helps to have the “spinner snap” turned on when doing this, so the “nudge” accurately returns to its previous value.

Alternatively, you can go directly to frame B (and set the key) then grab the key at frame 0 (in the track bar) and drag it to frame A - this method also saves having the redundant key on frame 0.

Not certain on the key filters - probably best to experiment with them and choose a configuration which suits your workflow.

Max 4.2 through 2013.
XP-64 (SP2)
NVidia 9800GTX-512 (Driver 266.58).
Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz, 8Gb Ram, DX9.0c.

Steve - thanks for the advice.  I had been trying to use the Set Key approach previously and that may have been part of the problem.  I’ve since switched to the Auto Key approach per your suggestion and it seems to be working well.  Especially with your suggestion to “nudge” it to create the new frame first, then make the changes.

thanks
Brent

change the key type to step in the help file look at tangent types

Thanks - have been playing around with the tangent types in the curve editor and it definitely makes a big difference. 

When you say change the key type to step, are you talking about the “Key Mode Toggle” button or another setting somewhere else? I did a quick help search and didn’t finding anything explicit…

thanks

He meant change the tangent type to “Step” as opposed to Linear or Bezier - check the Toolbar buttons in the Curve editor. Quite why he suggested you do that I’m not sure because if you do, your objects will move from point A to point B in a single frame - instant movement.

Max 4.2 through 2013.
XP-64 (SP2)
NVidia 9800GTX-512 (Driver 266.58).
Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz, 8Gb Ram, DX9.0c.

Thanks for the clarification - I agree, that’s not exactly what I’m after, definitely need a smooth transition.  Although it did prompt me to adjust the Key Mode Toggle which helped from a usability standpoint (had been set to advance frame by frame which was annoying).