You can set preferences to change the default background in Maya. 
         
         Tip 
               Use the Alt-b hotkey to toggle between different background colors. 
 
             
         To customize the background color
         
         
            - Select . 
            
- In the  window that appears, select the  tab and expand the  section. 
            
- Do one of the following: 
                  - To change the default background color, click the  color swatch or adjust the slider. 
                  
- To change the gradient background colors, click the  and  color swatches or adjust the sliders. 
                  
 
To turn the gradient background on or off
         
         
            - Select . 
            
- In the  window that appears, select the  category. 
            
- In the  section, select  or  for .