Automatic anchor determination for target graphical element identification in user interface (UI) automation is disclosed. A context-based mechanism assists in discriminating between duplicate target UI element candidates. More specifically, additional anchors may be determined and automatically added for a target UI element that provide context and are visible in an area surrounding the target. During design time, a target UI element may be indicated by a user of a designer application and a corresponding anchor may be determined. When a pair of UI elements is found having the same or similar characteristics and/or relationships to the target-anchor pair, an additional anchor is automatically identified without requesting user input. The additional anchor may be selected from the UI elements within a radius of the target UI element.