Thank you, "new file, background transparency + white" is what i'll use in the future

Is there a way I can set the first layer (canvas) to erase only white and not erase the canvas color (which shows the checkered transparency) when I use the eraser tool.   I start doodling forgetting the eraser tool will not work like other art apps and it is a bit annoying to always remember to create a new layer each time I open the program.  Thank you for your help!