Transparency vs. White background in Inkscape

I am using Inkscape and I know how to use transparency within the image, but I am annoyed that the background of the workspace in Inkscape is white. I searched through a lot of settings, but had no luck.

How do I get the workspace checkered like in GIMP?

The white workspace is really bothersome if you design something in white

You can change the background color in Inkscape by changing the document properties (in the File menu).

In particular, you can check 'Checkerboard background' to show the checkerboard if the background is set to transparent.

A quite ugly solution is to design your own checker background and have it as locked bottom layer :) Im doing something similar when im fiddling around with iOS icons or items that will be on a background.

Also as Juve mention you could try out the grids property.

First of all, a hint on transparency. If you export images with transparency for example to PDF (for printing), they are converted to bitmaps inside the PDF or produce unwanted results. Export to non-vector formats should be fine. I suggest to avoid transparency, usually there is a way to mimic transparency, e.g., by just using a light gray for shadows. Also don't use blur effects; similar problems with PDF export.

Now to the checkboard: It's not possible, one workaround would be to add full page sized box and choose black checker board as fill. Put this box on a separate layer and lock the layer. You might also lighten that box up using one of the filters. Unfortunately this board won't adapt when zooming.

Maybe not the solution, but a related option would be the grid (press #). This is not behind your drawing but in front. It can help you with positioning. Maybe you were looking for this?