Best way to use jpeg repeat pattern as a swatch to minimize file size?

[GoGayleGo]

I'm a beginner user, pretty sure there has to be a better way than what I'm doing.

I've purchased a set of 12x12 300 dpi jpeg seamless repeating patterns (~4MB each).  I want to apply them to shapes in Illustrator.  To do this, I've opened the files, copy/pasted each into my main document, dragged/dropped each into the swatches panel, then used the swatches to fill shapes.  I'm sure no one is surprised to hear that my document is HUGE, even when exporting as a .pdf.

What workflow SHOULD I be using to accomplish the same end result without having such a large file?

Thanks in advance,

Gayle

[Test Screen Name]

Don't use copy paste (except within a document). Use Place as your starting point. You can choose whether to Link or Embed - clearly if you paste it has to be embedded as there is nothing to link back to so the whole item must be kept.

In general, copy paste between apps is to be avoided, except for simple text. It's asking for trouble.

[GoGayleGo]

Thank you.  I'm not familiar with "link" and how it works...will do some research.  Assuming that means that only a reference to the file is kept within the document, rather than the file itself?

[Ton Frederiks]

If you use a jpeg as a pattern swatch, the jpeg will become larger (compression is removed) and embedded in the Illustrator file.

Don't put them all into the same file, because that will be large.

[GoGayleGo]

Thanks for your input. Should I convert the jpg to some other format?  PNG, PDF, or something else?  I need to minimize the overall size of the output, whether in one file or multiple files - hope that makes sense.

[Ton Frederiks]

All image formats will be decompressed when embedded in an Illustrator file, so the file format does not matter. It cannot be linked as an external file, but must be embedded if you want to use it as a pattern.